Here’s the Best Time to Meditate During the Day—And the Time to Avoid

glamour.com:

is often described as hanging out with your soul—and for good reason. But what’s the best time to meditate?Studies have reported that a regular meditation practice can lead to enhanced attention and memory, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being.

But in a world constantly teeming with distractions, there is one period of time during the day that is more beneficial than others for helping you get in touch with your inner self.If you are looking to reorder your thoughts and give your mental headspace a boost of zen, certain times are more beneficial than others.

According to health and wellness consultant Shikha Agarwal, the last quarter of the night before sunrise as well as early morning is the healthiest time to meditate.“The peaceful atmosphere is further compounded by the fact that the mind is in a naturally calm state after a restful night of sleep,” she explains. “The stillness of this time also allows for better concentration and a more profound meditative experience, thereby enhancing overall well-being.”While a quick dose of zen sounds good for just about any hour of the day, experts do recommend caution at some points of time during the day, such as after a heavy meal.“Meditating right after a heavy meal can be counterproductive, as the body is focused on digestion, and it may be challenging to achieve the necessary mental focus for meditation,” Agarwal says. “It’s advisable to wait for some time after eating to allow the digestive process to settle before engaging in a mindful meditation session.”While the early morning can offer a peaceful slate for engaging in meditation, you might find that you need to center on that same feeling of calmness and serenity at different points of time during the day.