Practice
What Is the Best Time to Meditate?
Early morning is traditionally considered the best time to meditate, when the mind is calm and the day is quiet. But the truly best time is whenever you can pra
Early morning is traditionally considered the best time to meditate, when the mind is calm and the day is quiet. But the truly best time is whenever you can practise consistently — for many that is morning, for others before bed. Regularity matters more than the exact hour, so choose a time you will actually keep.
Meditating soon after waking, before the day's demands crowd in, suits many people: the mind is fresh and distractions are few, and it sets a calm tone for the day.
Evening meditation can help unwind and prepare for sleep. What matters most is consistency — anchoring the practice to an existing habit (after brushing your teeth, before coffee) makes it far more likely to stick than choosing a 'perfect' time you cannot keep.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it okay to meditate at night?
- Yes. Evening meditation can calm the mind and support sleep. Gentle, relaxing practices suit night-time best.
- Should I meditate before or after yoga?
- Traditionally meditation follows asana and pranayama, when the body and breath are settled and the mind is more easily still.
Related reading
- How Do I Start Meditating?To start meditating, sit comfortably, close your eyes and rest your attention on your breath. When your mind wanders — w…
- How Long Should I Meditate as a Beginner?As a beginner, start with about 5 minutes of meditation a day and build up gradually toward 10-20 minutes as it feels co…
- What Is the Best Time of Day to Do Yoga?Early morning, on an empty stomach, is traditionally considered the best time for yoga — the mind is calm and clear, and…
- Meditation: A Complete Beginner-to-Practice GuideThe hub for meditation on Yoga & You — what it is, how to start, how long to sit, the main techniques, and links to ever…

