How Do I Know If Meditation Worked?

Self-awareness is a huge part of the process. It’s important to check in with yourself before, and especially after, meditation. You can ask questions like, “How do I feel?” “Am I sleeping better?” “Am I less reactive?” “Do I have fewer negative thoughts?” Often, after practicing meditation, people will feel a bit more calm and aware. “Meditation is no longer something that you do, it is something you become,” adds Dr. Chopra.

“The effects of meditation are usually not experienced in the beginning,” he says. Instead, “they are experienced outside of meditation.” Changes may arise in areas of future self-observation, as one may feel more relaxed, less melodramatic, get better sleep and feel more overall at peace.