An old saying says if you cannot find 10 minutes in the day to meditate, you probably need 20 minutes. This means if life is too hectic to spend 10 minutes being present and mindful, then that’s probably a sign you have to push pause and reassess the priorities.
You may need to scale back in some areas to make room for healthful and valuable activities. How will you expect to manage the stress of many commitments and responsibilities if you are constantly overwhelmed by complex thoughts and emotions?
After all, you rely on your mind daily for things like thinking, being creative, solving problems, interacting with others, etc. You owe it to your mind to find time to meditate so you can understand and appreciate the present moment and the capacity to perform at your best in everything that you do.
Through meditation, you rewire your brain to increase positive traits. So, by adding a meditation to your daily to-do list, you eventually remove some of the stress and chaos.
But what is the best time for meditation? Morning, evening, noon?
The best meditation time will depend on your lifestyle and what you look to gain through practice. Let’s discuss this in detail here.

Best Time to Meditate
The best time of day to meditate can vary from person to person and depends on your personal preferences, schedule, and lifestyle. There is no universally best time to meditate, as the benefits of meditation can be experienced at any time of the day.
However, morning meditation offers several potential benefits over other times of the day, but it’s important to note that the effectiveness of meditation can vary from person to person.
Here are some advantages of morning meditation:
1. Fresh Start:
Morning meditation can help you start your day with a clean slate. It provides an opportunity to let go of any residual stress or worries from the previous day and approach the new day with a clear and positive mindset.
2. Increased Focus:
Meditating in the morning can enhance your focus and concentration, which can be especially helpful for tasks that require mental clarity and productivity throughout the day.
3. Mindfulness for the Day Ahead:
Morning meditation can promote mindfulness, helping you stay present and attentive as you go about your daily activities. This can lead to better decision-making and reduced reactivity to stressors.
4. Stress Reduction:
By meditating in the morning, you can preemptively reduce stress and anxiety, making it less likely for daily challenges to overwhelm you. It can help you build resilience to stressors you may encounter later in the day.
5. Establishing a Routine:
Morning meditation can become a consistent part of your daily routine. Establishing a regular practice in the morning can make it easier to stick with meditation over the long term.
6. Calm and Centered Start:
Starting your day with meditation can set a tone of calm and centeredness. This can help you navigate the ups and downs of daily life with greater equanimity.
7. Increased Energy:
For some individuals, morning meditation can provide an energy boost and a sense of vitality, helping you feel more awake and alert as you begin your day.
Read: Meditation for Overthinking: 5 Tips on How to Stop Overthinking
Best Times of The Day for Meditation
While picking a time that works best for your schedule is essential, certain times may help you maximize the benefits of meditation.
1. Meditation in Morning
Meditation as the first thing in the morning is an excellent option to set the tone for the day. During these early morning hours, when work, family, and other commitments have yet to begin vying for your time and attention, you often have the focus and clarity to meditate fully.
Setting your intention for the day with meditation helps you maintain a positive and relaxed attitude to manage any stress that might arise during the day.
2. During Your Lunch Break
If you struggle to meditate in the morning, do it over your lunch break instead, a much-needed break from work, and refresh for the afternoon ahead.
3. Meditation in the Evening
Ending your day with meditation can wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep. This can be helpful if you struggle to sleep or meditate on the day’s events before bed.
If you have trouble sleeping, try meditating for 10 to 20 minutes before bed. Focus on breathing exercises or listen to guided meditation to relax and fall asleep.
4. Meditation in Night
One of the best ways to meditate is to make it a regular part of your bedtime routine when the mind is calmer and less active than during the day.
Start by setting aside 10 minutes before bed to meditate, relax, and wind down before sleep. This helps you sleep better. It is beneficial when you have trouble sleeping or can’t stop thinking before bed.
You can choose a guided meditation or sit quietly and focus on your breath. Making this a regular practice is essential, so try to meditate simultaneously each night.
5. After You Get Home From Work
For most people, the time immediately after work is when they are most likely to feel stressed. This can make relaxing difficult, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating or drinking alcohol.
6. After a Workout
Meditation is a perfect way to cool down after a workout. If you feel stressed out or revved up after hitting the gym, running trail, or yoga studio, take a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath. This helps center your mind and ease any post-workout tension that you feel.
7. When You Need to Relax
In addition to these specific times of day, it’s essential to be flexible and meditate whenever you need it most. If you feel anxious or stressed, take a few minutes to step away from the discomfort that is causing and practice some mindfulness.
Always prioritize your mental health and contemplate whenever you need it most.
8. Meditate Whenever You Can
The best meditation time is when you can fit it into your schedule. While there may be certain times ideal for meditation, finding a time that works for you and making it a regular habit is essential.
To build a new habit it takes time and consistent effort. Make it easier by choosing a time that helps you stick with it. If meditating in the morning is difficult, pick another time, whether during lunch or in the evening when you are winding down. The longer you stick with it, the more likely it becomes a lasting habit.
If you struggle to meditate at home, try listening to a guided meditation while walking or commuting. Also, you can download meditation apps with short, 10 minute meditations you can do anywhere, anytime.

Read: Meditation for Depression: How it Works, Types & How to Overcome
Tips to Meditate Better
Improving your meditation practice involves both refining your technique and developing a mindset that supports your practice.
Here are some tips to help you meditate better:
1. Create a Dedicated Space:
Set up a quiet, clutter-free space for meditation. This will help signal to your mind that it’s time for practice and create a soothing environment.
2. Establish a Routine:
Consistency is essential in meditation. Try to meditate at the same time each day to build a habit. Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch breaks, or before bed, find a schedule that works for you.
3. Start with Short Sessions:
If you’re new to meditation, start with short sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
4. Focus on Posture:
Sit or lie down comfortably with a straight back. Maintaining good posture helps you stay alert and prevents discomfort during longer meditation sessions.
5. Breathe Mindfully:
Pay attention to your breath as you inhale and exhale. You can use your breath as an anchor to keep your mind from wandering.
6. Observe Thoughts Without Judgment:
When thoughts arise during meditation (which is natural), don’t judge or dwell on them. Simply acknowledge them and gently return your focus to your breath or chosen point of attention.
7. Use Guided Meditations:
Guided meditations or online meditation courses led by experienced instructors can be helpful. They provide structure and guidance throughout the session.

8. Experiment with Different Techniques:
There are various meditation techniques, including mindfulness, loving-kindness (Metta), body scan, and more. Experiment with different methods to find the one that resonates with you the most.
9. Practice Patience:
Meditation is a skill that develops over time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if you find it challenging initially. Progress often comes in small, incremental steps.
10. Regularly Reflect:
After your meditation, take a moment to reflect on how you felt during the session and how it’s affecting your daily life. This self-reflection can provide insights into your practice’s impact.
Read: How to Control Your Emotions With Meditation Techniques?
FAQs Related to Best Meditation Time
The best time to meditate can vary from person to person. It depends on your schedule, energy levels, and personal preferences. Some people prefer morning meditation to start the day, while others find evening meditation helps them relax before bedtime.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The effectiveness of meditation depends on individual factors. The key is to choose a time that allows you to maintain a consistent practice.
Meditating in the morning can help set a positive tone for the day, improve focus, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness throughout the day. It can be especially beneficial for those looking to boost productivity and mental clarity.
Evening meditation can be effective for winding down after a busy day, reducing stress, and improving sleep quality for some individuals. It can help relax the mind and prepare the body for rest.
Yes, you can vary your meditation times based on your daily schedule and needs. The important thing is to make meditation a regular practice.
Meditating right after a heavy meal might not be ideal because you may feel lethargic. It’s generally recommended to meditate when you’re not too full or too hungry.
Yes, some people find it beneficial to meditate before or after exercise. It can enhance focus before a workout or help with relaxation and recovery afterward.
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Conclusion
With practice, meditation significantly reduces stress, improves sleep, and promotes overall health and well-being. Find the best time for meditation that works for you and make it a routine. Your mind and body will thank you.