Morning meditation is a great way to start your day bright and fresh. But not everyone is a morning person, and many people find it difficult to find the time or motivation to start their morning with meditation. Many successful people find it essential to start their morning with a few minutes of breathing and silence so they can start the day with a clear mind and a productive attitude. If you’re struggling to start a morning meditation routine, we’ve put together some great tips and expert advice to help beginners get started.
Why meditate in the morning?
There are many benefits of meditation in general, but there are also several benefits of practicing your meditation sessions first thing in the morning. Numerous studies have suggested that meditation has several health benefits, most notably reducing stress. Meditation gives the mind a break and offers the opportunity to break away from the chaos of our lives and seek shelter in stillness and silence. A morning practice will set the tone for your day and help you be more energetic, focused, satisfied and optimistic. Here are a few other great benefits:
- Increases your enthusiasm and energy level.
- Helps you be more positive and improves overall mental health.
- Increases your focus and concentration so you can be more committed to your work.
- Encourages you to clear your mind of negative thought patterns and let go of emotional baggage.
- Reduces your overall worry and anxiety levels throughout the day.
- Creates a balanced perspective for dealing with your colleagues.
If the idea of sitting down to meditate for a few minutes every morning doesn’t appeal to you, you can find opportunities to meditate at regular times. Just a few moments of mindfulness in your routine can give you more energy, focus, and calmness.
When should you meditate in the morning?
Many practitioners find the morning to be the easiest time to practice, whether they choose mindfulness, mantra meditation, visualization, or another technique. You can practice at any time of the day or night, but most people agree that the ideal time to meditate is first thing in the morning. The traditional time is at sunrise or an hour and a half earlier, that is what is called Brahma Muhurt– the time of Brahman.
Although this is considered the best and most auspicious time for spiritual practices, it can be challenging for most people to commit to it. It is much more important to have a regular routine that fits your exercise and morning schedule. By creating a regular morning routine, you don’t have to think or decide what to do as soon as you wake up. This will make your morning exercise a habit and an automatic part of your day.
How do you start a morning meditation practice?
The hardest part of starting a meditation routine is the first step! You may not be sure how to do it, or how to keep it up; Maybe you see the benefits of meditation, but feel like you don’t have time, or you’re just too busy to sit still for 15 minutes a day. You can make it as complicated or simple as you want: lie down, sit or stand; you can focus on your breathing, your body, your mantra, or simply observe your thoughts. The secret to getting started is to make it as simple as possible and start slowly. We recommend beginners try the following:
Set aside a specific time to practice. 15 minutes is the recommended length of time.- Set a length and commit to sitting the entire time.
- Choose a technique or style that best suits your personality.
- It is best to use a seated meditation position. Find a comfortable chair, a spot on the couch, or a cushion on a spot on the floor. You can even sit in your car before or after your commute!
- Find a nice, quiet, comfortable space that supports your practice.
- Set a timer.
- Support your body to minimize distracting pain. Use pillows, yoga props, blankets, or whatever is most accessible. If you are committed to your practice, using a good meditation cushion is recommended. There are countless types and sizes available to order online.
- Maintain good posture.
- Close or soften your eyes.
- Breathe slowly and deeply.
Tips for Starting an Early Morning Meditation Routine
If you’re starting a brand new morning meditation, it’s important to experiment with the different types and techniques. But remember: whatever type of practice you continue with, you can always explore other traditions later. If you’re not ready to commit to a full-blown meditation practice, look for meditative moments during otherwise mundane events. For example, you could take a 1-minute walking meditation to your car or practice mindfulness while preparing your morning coffee. Here are more tips to keep in mind as you get started:
- Get rid of unnecessary noises or distractions, such as TV and smartphones.
- Avoid coffee before your exercise to prevent the caffeine from overstimulating your mind.
- To wake up, try splashing warm or cold water on your face.
- Making it easy! If necessary, start with 5-10 minutes and work your way up.
- Find a local class or group. While there are great resources for learning meditation online, it’s always best to find a local teacher who can help you get started.
- Don’t get discouraged: seek inspiration and support from the community to keep you motivated.
- Set realistic goals and expectations. Meditation is a challenging practice, but will become easier over time. It may take up to three months before you notice a difference in how you feel.
- Plan it! No matter how or when you meditate, the most important thing is that you do it consistently every morning.
- Listen to a guided meditation or use one of the many mindfulness apps to get started.
- Wear comfortable clothing that does not pull or tighten against your body.
- When you realize your thoughts are wandering, bring your attention back to your point of focus, without judgment or criticism.
- Find fun and creative ways to inspire your meditations.
How do I know if the morning is right for me?
Everyone has their own unique approach to meditation, and it’s important to keep in mind that the impact of each practice depends on the individual. For many, the morning is the best time to take a moment to breathe deeply, calm the mind, and just be with yourself. But if you can’t hold on, don’t give up; it may not be the right time for you.