About Us

We're the creators of BetterSleep, a leading wellness app helping over 60 million people around the globe sleep better.

We’re on a mission to help people around the world live a happier, healthier life, through expert-led meditations, sleep stories, brainwaves and more.

Share article
Seated Meditation
wellness
Seated Meditation
by BetterSleep
4 min read
Share article

Meditation is a popular practice that helps people relax, clear their minds, and eliminate negative thoughts. During meditation, you reach a state of mindfulness. You can practice meditation at any time of the day, as long as you are in a place that allows you to focus.

Some people choose to meditate while lying down, which is a great way for people who have a hard time falling asleep. If you are doing meditation during the day, seated meditation is a better choice.

What is seated meditation?

Your position for meditation is the most important factor. You don’t want to choose a position that is uncomfortable or causes you to break meditation by changing positions.

Seated meditation is a perfect option for people who are both new to meditation or seasoned. While laying down to meditate is a common position, there is a high chance that you will get comfortable and fall asleep. Sitting to meditate allows your body to remain alert.

Best seated meditation positions:

When you think of meditation, your mind probably goes to people sitting on the ground in a cross-legged position. You may shy away from meditation because you think that position will be uncomfortable for you.

Luckily, seated meditation doesn’t have to happen on the floor. As long as you’re sitting with a good posture, your seated position will work just as well. Here are some good ideas for seated meditation positions:

Use chairs or couches

You can do meditation in chairs with your legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor, and arms resting in your lap. In this position, don’t use the back of the chair to hold you up. Instead, move towards the middle or front of the chair and keep a straight posture.

Use cushions or blankets

Using a cushion or blanket is great for people who like doing meditation on hard surfaces; this helps bring comfort. You can cross your legs and keep a straight posture. You can lean against something sturdy, like a wall if you need some support.

Whichever position you choose is up to you, remember to keep your back straight yet relaxed, keeping your head, neck, and spine aligned.

Meditation cushion

When meditating, comfort and support are top priorities. Apart from blankets, rugs, or yoga mats, you can use meditation cushions.

These cushions help support your back and hips, keeping you in your seated meditation position for a longer period. The cushions come in different shapes and sizes to fit the comfort of your body:

  • Zafu pillow: A slightly elevated cushion that originated in China for meditation practices.
  • Crescent-shaped pillow: Great for people who have flexibility in hips and knees but just want a cushion for comfort.
  • Rectangular: Good options for beginners and people with stiff hips and ankles.
  • Folded: Perfect for taking to different places and for those who like to meditate against the wall.
Share article

Related posts

The Importance of Sleep
sleep / wellness
The Importance of Sleep
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Benefits of Meditating in the Morning
wellness
Benefits of Meditating in the Morning
by BetterSleep
10 min read
Best Teas for Sleep
sleep / wellness
Best Teas for Sleep
by BetterSleep
10 min read
Why We Like Background Noise
wellness
Why We Like Background Noise
by BetterSleep
11 min read
What is Box Breathing?
wellness / mental health
What is Box Breathing?
by BetterSleep
6 min read
What Are Soundscapes?
wellness / mental health
What Are Soundscapes?
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Walking Meditation: How to Meditate While Walking
wellness
Walking Meditation: How to Meditate While Walking
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Coffee Naps: What Are They and Do They Work?
sleep / wellness
Coffee Naps: What Are They and Do They Work?
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Relaxing Nature Music
wellness
Relaxing Nature Music
by BetterSleep
4 min read
Music Is Good for the Brain
wellness / mental health
Music Is Good for the Brain
by BetterSleep
8 min read

Top 10 posts

From Stress to Success: How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
wellness / mental health
From Stress to Success: How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Behind the Scenes: Pride 2024 at BetterSleep with Collin Martin
lifestyle / news
Behind the Scenes: Pride 2024 at BetterSleep with Collin Martin
by Scott Yim
4 min read
Waking Up to Injustice: The Intersection of Racism, Sleep Deprivation, and Black History
news / mental health
Waking Up to Injustice: The Intersection of Racism, Sleep Deprivation, and Black History
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Sleep Paralysis Explained
sleep
Sleep Paralysis Explained
by BetterSleep
10 min read
How to Cope with Holiday Depression and Stress
mental health / wellness
How to Cope with Holiday Depression and Stress
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Have a Healthy Holiday Season
news / wellness
Have a Healthy Holiday Season
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Mindful Listening
lifestyle / mental health
Mindful Listening
by BetterSleep
6 min read
Sleep Hypnosis Apps: A Guide to Self-Hypnosis
sleep
Sleep Hypnosis Apps: A Guide to Self-Hypnosis
by BetterSleep
7 min read
Calming Foods for Anxiety
wellness / mental health
Calming Foods for Anxiety
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Brown Noise
sleep / wellness
Brown Noise
by BetterSleep
4 min read