As a fitness enthusiast and longtime mindfulness practitioner, I’ve often been asked: “Should you meditate before or after a workout?” It’s a great question! The balance of mental calm and physical vigour can be a delicate one.
Both options have benefits.
Meditating before a workout can help centre your mind, improve focus, and prepare you mentally for the physical activity. Meditating after a workout can promote relaxation, aid recovery, and help reduce post-workout stress.
In this article, I’ll delve into this topic, drawing on my personal experiences to provide insight. I’ll also share tips on what to avoid before meditating and the practices you should refrain from during meditation.
Should I Meditate Before Or After A Workout?
Based on my experience, there’s no definitive ‘right’ answer to whether you should meditate before or after a workout — it depends on what works best for you. Some people find that meditating before a workout puts them in a calm and focused state, enhancing their mind-muscle connection and enabling them to perform better.
On the other hand, some prefer to meditate after their workout, using the practice to unwind and aid recovery.
Personally, I alternate between both. Some days, I meditate before my workout, especially when I feel that my mind is racing and I need to centre myself. On other days, after a particularly intense workout, I find that meditation helps me cool down and relax my body.
The key is listening to your body and mind and deciding what feels most beneficial. Remember, the goal is harmony between mind and body.
Should I Meditate Before Working?
Just like with workouts, timing your meditation before work can also depend on your personal preference and work routine. From my own experience, meditating before starting work can set a positive and calm tone for the day ahead. It helps clear the mind, allowing for better focus and improved productivity.
However, it’s important not to rush the process. If you wake up late and are in a hurry, trying to squeeze in a meditation session might cause more stress. Also, avoid meditating right after consuming a heavy meal, as this could lead to lethargy and drowsiness during work hours.
So, if your morning routine allows for a quiet, undisturbed block of time, meditating before work could be an excellent way to start your day. It’s all about finding what works best for you in maintaining mental balance amidst your professional duties.
What Should You Avoid Before Meditation?
Before you meditate, there are a few things I would advise you to steer clear of. Eating a large meal, for example, is not recommended as it can make you feel sluggish and interfere with your ability to focus during meditation. Similarly, consuming caffeinated drinks can make it harder for you to relax and achieve the calm state that meditation requires.
Avoid engaging in strenuous physical activity right before meditating, too. The rush of adrenaline could make it more difficult for you to settle into a peaceful state.
Personal devices are another distraction I recommend avoiding. The constant buzz of notifications can unsettle your mind and make it harder to reach a tranquil state. Ideally, set your devices to do not disturb mode or, better still, keep them in another room.
Lastly, don’t rush into your meditation practice. Trying to squeeze a meditation session into a tight schedule can actually induce more stress. It’s essential to approach your meditation with a relaxed mindset, so ensure you have enough time to fully engage with the practice without feeling hurried.
Should I Meditate Before Or After Yoga?
Meditation and yoga are both wonderful practices for mind-body wellness, and combining the two can create a well-rounded routine. When to meditate about your yoga practice, however, can depend on your personal preference and the specific goals of your practice.
Meditating before yoga can help to centre your mind and establish a calm, focused state. This mindful focus can enhance your yoga practice by allowing you to move more intentionally through the postures, improving your mind-body connection.
On the other hand, meditating after a yoga session can be a beautiful way to close your practice. After moving through your yoga sequence, your body will likely be relaxed and your mind quiet, creating ideal conditions for meditation.
I personally enjoy meditating both before and after yoga. I find that a brief meditation before yoga helps me tune into my body and focus my mind. After yoga, I enjoy a longer meditation, taking advantage of the calm and relaxed state yoga leaves me in.
Just like with workouts, the choice to meditate before or after yoga is personal. Listen to your body and mind and decide what feels most beneficial. Ultimately, the goal is to harmonize the body and mind.
What Should You Not Do During Meditation?
Meditation is a practice of mindfulness and focus, and there are certain things I would advise against while engaged in this activity.
First and foremost, avoid being hard on yourself. It’s natural for your mind to wander during meditation. When it does, gently guide your focus back without criticizing yourself. Remember, meditation is not about achieving a ‘perfect’ state of mindfulness but about practising awareness and acceptance.
Secondly, don’t force your breathing. Let your breath flow naturally, and simply pay attention to it. Trying to control your breath can create tension and disrupt the relaxation process.
Avoid checking the time frequently. Meditation is not about length but about quality. Constantly checking how much time has passed can be a huge distraction.
Try not to move too much during meditation. While adjusting your position if you’re uncomfortable is okay, excessive movement can be a distraction.
Lastly, avoid setting expectations. Meditation is a personal journey, and everyone’s experience is different. Don’t go into each session expecting certain results or comparing your practice to others. The key to fruitful meditation is patience, persistence, and a non-judgmental attitude.
Final Mindful Thoughts
Whether to meditate before or after a workout, before work, or before/after yoga is a deeply personal decision. It’s important to listen to your body and mind and find what works best. Remember, the ultimate aim is to achieve a balance and harmony between mind and body.
Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, strenuous activity, and distractions before meditation.
During meditation, be gentle with yourself and avoid being overly critical or setting high expectations.
Above all, remember that meditation is a journey, not a destination. It’s a personal practice that enhances mindfulness and peace, enriching your overall quality of life.
Keep exploring, practising, and discovering the schedule that helps your mind and body thrive.