The benefits of meditation can be felt as soon as after one single session. Some studies have shown increased mood, decreased stress, and reduced blood pressure after one session. Some benefits like increased focus and decreased stress may be experienced after a few weeks and others take longer to develop. Neuroimaging studies have shown that meditation actually changes the shape of your brain (see “How does meditation work) after 8 weeks.*
The most important part of developing a meditation practice is consistency. Research shows that you don’t have to meditate every single day in a row, but that the benefits are tied to regular, consistent practice. Based on the research, a regular practice associated with benefits involves 10-20 minutes of meditation at least 3 times a week.**
*The Headspace science team is committed to conducting research on our product to ensure it delivers benefits to our users. While our research is in progress, it's important to note that Headspace is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Check out www.headspace.com/science for more info on our research.
** Based on the body of literature on meditation, not all of which include Headspace as an intervention.
Need more help? Email us at help@headspace.com.