Meditation is a practice that has been around for centuries. It is often used as a tool to help people relax and focus. While many people find that meditation helps them to feel more relaxed, some people find that it can make them feel tired.
There are a few reasons why meditation may make some people feel tired. Let’s take a deeper look into meditation and how it can make you feel.
Does Meditation Make You Tired?
So, does meditation make you tired? It may make some people feel are tired …or do they just think they are tired?
Using Mental Energy
There are a few different reasons that meditation may make you feel tired. One possibility is that meditating requires mental focus and energy, which can be tiring. The reality is, being tired goes beyond the physical.
It can be a state of mind, and it’s not uncommon for someone to feel tired after meditating. When the brain is deprived of sensory stimulation, it can go into a very relaxed state that can leave you feeling mentally depleted. However, this is by no means true for everyone.
Many people find that meditation helps them to feel more energetic. It’s all about how you approach it and what you expect to get out of it. If you are not used to meditating, it may take some time to get used to it and build up your mental stamina.
Attention Span
Mental focus involves using your attention span, which can be tiring for some people. If you are not used to concentrating for long periods of time, you may find that your mind wanders and you have trouble staying on track. The average attention span is about 5 minutes while meditation usually requires you to maintain mental focus much longer.
This is normal! Meditation is a practice that takes time and patience to learn. As you meditate more frequently, you will likely find that it becomes easier to focus and your attention span will improve.
Advanced meditation practitioners can focus for as long as they want or need to.
You Are Very Relaxed
The relaxation response that is often associated with meditation can make you feel tired. When you relax, your body goes into a rest and digest mode, which can make you feel sleepy. When you meditate, you are focusing on your breath and letting go of all other thoughts.
For some people, this can be a very relaxing experience. However, for others, it can be tiring. The rest and digest mode is your body’s way of restoring and rejuvenating itself.
It is a natural relaxation response and it is nothing to be concerned about.
The Time of Day You Meditate
The time of day you meditate can also play a role in how it makes you feel. If you meditate at night before bed, it can make it more difficult to fall asleep. On the other hand, if you meditate in the morning, you may feel more energized throughout the day.
It is best to experiment with different times of day to see what works best for you.
How To Adjust To Meditation
If you are just starting with meditation, try different practices and find what works best for you. To help yourself get into a relaxed state, try focusing on your breath and visualizing a calming scene, such as a beach or forest. Be sure to take breaks if you feel tired or uncomfortable while meditating.
Take deep breaths and move your body gently. As you continue to practice meditation, you will likely find that it becomes easier and more enjoyable.
Breathing
Breathing techniques should include the following:
- Inhale through your nose, expanding your stomach first and then your chest.
- Exhale through your mouth, contracting your stomach muscles last.
Even when you are feeling tired, it is important to maintain proper breathing techniques during meditation. This will help you to relax and focus.
Can Some Meditation Energize You?
While some types of meditation may make you feel tired, there are other types that may have the opposite effect. Some people find that they have more energy after meditating, as it can help to clear your mind and give you a sense of calm. If you find that you are struggling with fatigue, consider trying a different type of meditation or meditation technique.
Different Meditation Techniques
Many different meditation techniques may be helpful.
1. Mindfulness Meditation
For example, mindfulness meditation involves focusing on your breath or the present moment and letting go of all thoughts. This type of meditation can help to clear your mind and bring you into a relaxed state. It may also help you to feel more energized.
2. Transcendental Meditation
Another type of meditation is transcendental meditation. This technique involves repeating a mantra or word to yourself. An example of a mantra is “om.” This type of meditation can help to focus your mind and give you a sense of peace and calm.
It may also help to increase your energy levels.
What To Do Before Meditation?
There are a few things you can do to help you get the most out of your meditation practice.
- First, it is important to find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. You may want to use a pillow or blanket to support your back.
- Next, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Focus on your breath and follow it as it goes in and out of your body.
- Finally, start to release all of the thoughts that come into your mind as you meditate. Let go of any worries or concerns that are on your mind.
With practice, meditation can be a great way to increase your energy levels and improve your overall health.
Does Meditation Help With Sleep?
Along with increasing your energy levels, meditation may also help you to get a better night’s sleep. One study found that people who practiced mindfulness meditation for just one month reported feeling more rested and able to fall asleep faster at bedtime. Additionally, research has shown that practicing mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and improve the overall quality of sleep.
Sleep quality is defined by sleep efficiency, arousal level during the night, and sleep disturbances. If you are having trouble sleeping, consider practicing meditation before bed to help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
Does Music Help Increase Energy During Meditation?
There is no one answer to this question as everyone experiences music differently. Some people find that listening to music helps them to focus and feel more relaxed during meditation. Other people find that music is a distraction and it is difficult to focus on their breath or mantra when there is music playing.
If you are new to meditation, it may be helpful to try both meditating with and without music to see what works better for you. Find some meditative music samples on YouTube.
Final Thoughts About Meditation and Tiredness
So, does meditation make you tired? Overall, whether meditation makes you tired depends on the person. If you find that it makes you feel exhausted or sleepy, take a break from meditating and come back to it later. It may make some people feel tired, especially if they are new to the practice or if they meditate at night.
However, there are many benefits to meditation, so it is worth trying it out to see how it affects you. Who knows, meditation may be the key to getting more energy!