What is a meditation pod (and should you actually try it)?
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
If you struggle to focus during meditation, you may want to hop in a pod. A meditation pod that is. Learn what they are and how to get the most out of your pod experience.
Ever sit down to meditate and every sound imaginable goes off? Your dog barks like its life depends on it, a garbage truck beeps endlessly, and somehow you get 73 group chat notifications in under a minute.
We all know that meditation is good for us and that we should probably be doing more of it, but still, it can be hard to find space (figurative and literal) to relax and go inward.
With all the distractions of life, it’s hard enough to focus in general, but when our space fills with noisy distractions, meditation can turn into mission impossible. Luckily, there’s a new technology that’s starting to help with that — meditation pods.
These pods can offer a quiet escape from the noisy chaos of the world. But what exactly are they? And are they really available for all of us? Let’s dive in and explore.
What is a meditation pod?
This small, enclosed space is designed to help you meditate and relax in a distraction-free environment. The purpose is to create a peaceful and private environment so that all you have to do is focus entirely on calming your mind and body for your meditation.
It’s important to note that these pods are still relatively new and currently expensive to own. But many people go to wellness centers and pay to use them per session.
5 types of meditation pods
Meditation pod sounds so futuristic that we wouldn’t blame you if you pictured some kind of sci-fi creation. While it can be a hard concept to grasp, these pods actually do come in a variety of styles. Some are simple with no-frills, while others are high-tech sanctuaries that might even give you those spaceship vibes.
In general though, all pods aim to give you a calming space to help you meditate. Here are some of the most common types of meditation pods:
1. Basic pods for quiet meditation: If you like a more minimal approach, basic pods can offer a simple and soundproof space where you can meditate without interruption.
2. Pods with guided meditation features: If you like a little guidance, some pods include a built-in audio system that plays guided meditations, nature sounds, or calming music. These can be perfect for beginners or anyone who has a hard time meditating in total silence.
3. High-tech pods with immersive experiences: If you tend to like a lot of fancy gadgets, there are also cool high-tech pods out there. These advanced pods can offer features like temperature controls and adjustable lighting. Some may offer virtual reality which can help guide you into a more meditative state. And some fancier pods have systems that can even track your stress levels while you meditate.
4. Portable pods: If you’re always on the go, there are also collapsible or lightweight pods that you can use for a temporary retreat. While they’re usually less advanced and slightly less noise proof, they can be very convenient for creating a private meditation space anywhere you go.
5. Group meditation pods: If you prefer to meditate with others as a shared experience, there are larger pods out there that are designed to help make that happen. Usually these types of pods are in wellness centers or corporate environments.
Where to find a meditation pod?
Since meditation pods can offer us a quiet place to de-stress, a lot of them are now starting to pop up in places where people spend the most time. If you’re looking to find one, your corporate office, local spas, airports, and gyms are now slowly starting to add them into their spaces.
People also can buy a meditation pod for their home, but they are prohibitively expensive for a lot of people so you may want to enjoy one while you’re out and about.
What are the potential benefits of using meditation pods?
Meditation can give you some great mental and physical health benefits (explore 12 of those benefits here). But so often, the outside world can get in the way and distract you from experiencing them.
Meditation pods may be able to help block out those distractions though so that you can zero in more on the mediation and less on everything else around you. Here are a couple ways these pods might enhance your experience:
They can help you focus better: One of the biggest challenges in meditation is staying focused. Many pods are soundproof or include noise-canceling technology, so you don’t have to worry about external sounds pulling you out of your meditation. (If you find your thoughts often drift away, try these 12 ways to tame a wandering mind.)
They may help you relax more easily: Meditation pods are designed to help you relax more quickly by using calming lights, soothing sounds, and aromatherapy.
They can help reduce your stress and anxiety: With the quietness of a pod, you’re more likely to fully immerse yourself in meditation. And when you can lock in more and meditate, this can help lower your stress levels.
They can be convenient and easy to use: Sometimes setting up a meditation space at home can be a hassle. But with an established meditation pod, everything you need is already built in. All you have to do is simply step in, close the door, and begin.
They may encourage consistency: One of the hardest parts of meditation can be building a habit. But a pod can help you stick to meditation easier because it’s already set up (Are you struggling to stay consistent? Check out these five simple tips to make meditation a daily habit.)
7 tips to get the most out of your meditation pod experience
Stepping into a meditation pod for the first time can feel exciting — and maybe also a little scary — which can make it tricky for you to settle in and meditate on your first try.
To help you get the most out of your meditation pod experience, whether that's at home or during a session at a business, here are some tips to explore.
1. Set a clear intention
Before you enter the pod, take a minute to decide what you want from your session. Are you looking to reduce your stress, boost your focus, or do you just need a moment to take a break? Having a clear intention can help you approach the session with purpose, so your experience can feel more meaningful.
Try this: Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and silently say to yourself what you hope to get out of the session.
2. Customize your environment
If the meditation pod you’re in has adjustable features like lighting, sound, and temperature, spend a second tailoring the options to the settings you like. Soft, warm lighting can create a calming vibe. Nature sounds and gentle music can also help to soothe you.
Try this: Experiment with different combos to see what feels best for you. Some days you might prefer warm colors and music while others you might like a cooler feel with complete silence. Either is fine! It’s whatever works for you.
💙 Check out our Garden Rain soundscape to create an even more peaceful environment.
3. Use guided meditations
If you’re new to meditation or have a hard time staying focused, guided meditation tracks can be a game-changer. Many pods include preloaded options, but some pods allow you to use your own favorites.
Try this: Start with a short, beginner-friendly guided session. Focus on following the instructions and then just let the experience unfold naturally.
💙 Breathe away the tension and reset your day with the Guided Breathing to Release Tension meditation from the Overcome Stress and Anxiety series with Dr. Julie Smith.
4. Use a meditation pod regularly
Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment to use the pod, aim to make it a regular part of your routine if that is available to you. Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference over time.
Try this: Set up a specific time for your meditation pod sessions like before work or during a lunch break and try to stick to it. If that feels tough to you right now, here are 11 tips that can help get you started.
5. Minimize distractions
Before you start your pod session, turn off your phone. Let others know that you need a few minutes to yourself. Treat this time as essential, and remind yourself that this is your opportunity to recharge without any outside interference.
Try this: If you’re worried you’ll be disturbed, put a sign outside the pod to let others know you’re meditating. This lets others know that you’d like to have this time to yourself.
💙 Listen to Tamara Levitt’s meditation on Deep Concentration if you tend to have trouble focusing.
6. Be patient with yourself
It’s normal for your mind to wander, especially if you’re new to meditation. If this happens to you, don’t get discouraged. Instead try to remind yourself that the more you practice, the easier it will become.
Try this: When your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath or the sensation of your body relaxing. And if you’re still finding that difficult, check out this step-by-step guide to the noting technique.
7. End your session mindfully
When your session’s over, try not to rush back to your day. Instead, take a moment to reflect on how you feel, and allow yourself time to gently move back into real life. This can help you carry the sense of calm and focus you just achieved into whatever comes next.
Try this: Before stepping out, spend a minute sitting quietly, stretching, or jotting down a few thoughts about your experience.
Meditation pod FAQs
How do meditation pods differ from traditional meditation spaces?
In a traditional meditation space, whether a local studio or gym, at home in your living room, or even a quiet park, you usually have to manage the environment yourself (or at least put up with street noise or fidgety class participants).
But this isn’t the case with a meditation pod. These pods are specifically designed to create the perfect environment for mindfulness. They aim to remove distractions so that your meditation can become as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Here are some features meditation pods tend to have that can help you get in the zone easier:
They’re soundproof.
They have adjustable lighting, calming sounds, and even aromatherapy.
They offer immersive experiences like virtual reality.
Where can I use a meditation pod?
Meditation pods can provide you with a private and supportive space for you to reset and recharge. Here are some of places you can find them:
Corporate Office: These pods can help employees de-stress and boost productivity.
Wellness centers, gyms, spas, and yoga studios: These pods can help enhance relaxation.
Airports: These pods can offer a quick escape for travelers.
Hotels: These pods can provide busy professionals with a place to have a moment of calm.
At your home: These pods can create a personal sanctuary. (But it’s worth noting that they tend to be very expensive and bulky, so not usually that accessible.)
Are meditation pods good for beginners?
Meditation pods can be an excellent option if you’re a beginner. Starting a meditation practice can sometimes be very intimidating, especially if you struggle to quiet your mind. Pods then can help you focus as they’re designed to create a structured, distraction-free environment.
Many pods also include guided meditation tracks or calming sounds. These can help you stay engaged and teach you the basics of mindfulness. The soothing atmosphere inside a pod also can make meditation feel a little less overwhelming and a little more approachable.
What maintenance is required for meditation pods?
Meditation pods are generally low-maintenance: they only need a little care to keep them clean and functioning well.
Interior: To keep the pod fresh and hygienic—especially for a pod in public or shared spaces—wipe down any seating, surfaces, or touchpoints regularly.
Electronic features: To make sure they’re working properly, check speakers, lighting, or sensors periodically.
Aromatherapy features: To get the most out of your experience, replace essential oil cartridges or diffusers when they start to get low.
Can meditation pods accommodate multiple users?
Most meditation pods are designed for one person so that they can have a private retreat that will allow them to deeply focus and relax.
But, there are larger pods available that can accommodate two or more people. These are often used in wellness centers or corporate environments for group mindfulness sessions or team-building exercises.
If you’re considering sharing a pod, keep in mind that the experience can feel less personal when multiple people are involved, but can also be great if you like meditating with friends, family, or coworkers.
How long are typical meditation pod sessions?
There’s no set length for a meditation pod session. It all depends on your preferences and the setting. In general though, somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes is usually enough time to experience the calming benefits of meditation.
If you’re using a pod in a public or workplace setting, consider shorter sessions so that you can allow others a chance to use it. The most important thing is to use the meditation pod mindfully, and listen to your body and mind. If you’re having a tougher day, go for a longer session. Do whatever feels good to you.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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