How Long Should You Meditate? Finding the Right Duration for Your Practice

When people ask, “How long should I meditate?” they’re often looking for a perfect number—a magic duration that will bring them clarity and calm. But meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice. It’s more like building a relationship. Think about meeting someone new—someone you’d like to connect with. At first, you start with small interactions. You wouldn’t immediately dive into an hours-long conversation with a stranger; instead, you build familiarity over time. Meditation works the same way.

Starting Small: The First Introduction (2-5 Minutes)

If you’re new to meditation, even two minutes a day is a great start. It may not seem like much, but it’s enough to establish a habit. Think of it as a brief “hello” to your mind—an initial connection. Five minutes is even better and still manageable. At this stage, it’s not about achieving deep states of mindfulness but simply getting comfortable with sitting still and observing your thoughts.

Going Deeper: The Meaningful Conversation (20 Minutes)

Once you’ve built the habit, 20 minutes is an ideal next step. This is where meditation starts to create noticeable shifts in your day-to-day life. Just as a deeper conversation allows you to truly understand someone, 20 minutes gives your mind enough space to settle. Many meditation traditions recommend this duration as a foundation for daily practice because it allows for a meaningful experience without feeling overwhelming.

Deepening the Bond: Extended Practice (40 Minutes to 1 Hour)

As your practice matures, you may feel ready to go beyond 20 minutes. Much like a friendship that has grown over time, longer meditations (40 minutes to an hour) can bring about profound insights and states of stillness. However, just as conversations require balance—too much too soon can be exhausting—the same applies to meditation. Jumping into hour-long sessions without a solid foundation can lead to frustration or burnout.

Consistency Over Length: Strengthening the Connection

The most important aspect of meditation isn’t how long you sit but how often you practice. A five-minute meditation every day is more beneficial than an hour-long session once a week. Just like keeping in touch with a friend, regular check-ins make it easier to reconnect, even if you’ve taken a break. Meditation works the same way—once you’ve built the habit, even after a pause, returning to your practice will feel natural.

Suggested Meditation Durations Based on Your Goals

Complete Beginners: 2-5 minutes a day to establish the habit.
Building a Stronger Practice: 20 minutes daily (or every other day).
Deeper Commitment: 20 minutes daily for a month (as some practices suggest) or extended sessions (40 minutes+) when you’re ready.

Need Guidance? Join Our Meditation Sessions

Starting or deepening a meditation practice is easier with guidance. If you’re looking for structured support, join our guided meditation classes designed for beginners and those looking to expand their practice. Find the right balance and duration that works for you, and build a meditation habit that lasts.

Happy meditating! ✨