How Long Should I Meditate?

QUESTION: I’m new to meditation, but I’ve heard about its powerful benefits. How long should I meditate?

ANSWER: The length of meditation varies from one person to another. It is basically at the discretion of each person. The best way to know how long you should meditate is to start practicing it and see what length of time works best for you.

For many people, a twenty-minute meditation each day is plenty enough. For others, thirty minutes to an hour works best. The key to productive meditation is finding the fine balance that works for you.

If you are new to meditation in general, you will likely find that you can only meditate for five or ten minutes at a time. The biggest reason for this is because your mind and body are likely not used to slowing down and being quiet.

Another issue many people have with meditating at first is that their mind wanders. If you are having trouble focusing and staying centered, this isn’t uncommon at all. Simply tell yourself (in your mind, not out loud), “STOP!” Make a greater effort to not allow your mind to wander.

Once you have practiced meditating for a short amount of time on a daily basis, you will slowly become more relaxed and be able to quickly segue into that quiet state of being. You will find that your mind does not roam as it did in the beginning. You will also probably find that you become calmer and relaxed throughout your meditation.

Eventually, the more you meditate, the longer the span of time will be. You may even come to learn that you enjoy meditating for 20 or 30 minutes two times per day. There really is no set time limit. It is totally up to your personal preference. The key to meditation is to allow your mind and body to relax.

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