When you live in a city that's as bustling as Chicago, relaxing your mind is a crucial component of a healthy wellness routine. But some days – given the fast-paced demands of daily life – overwhelm kicks in, and it feels like there’s no time or space to unwind and get recharged.
Unless, of course, you consider meditation. Practicing this intentional focus holds potential to reduce anxiety, regulate emotions, and decrease blood pressure, among other benefits. Luckily, Chicago is home to a number of soothing meditation classes, many of which are listed below. Here are great meditation classes in the region for everybody, and every mind.
Meditation classes in the Loop
Bottom Line Yoga
Chicago Board of Trade at 141 W Jackson Blvd #750, (312) 469-0585
Class: Nap & Meditation
Time: Monday - Friday, 2 pm
Ever felt so relaxed in a meditation class that you feel like you could fall asleep? In this class, you’re actually encouraged to do so!
Whether you had a restless night without sleep, or just want to get recharged and ready for the rest of your workday, fitting a quick siesta in is a great way to combat fatigue (which may, in turn, improve emotion regulation [1]).
At this class, complimentary nap mats, blankets, pillows, and – of course – wake-up nudges are provided.
Therapeutic Yoga
53 West Jackson Blvd Ste 362, (312) 374-3615
Class: Women’s Insight Circle: Meditation, Reflection, Connection
Time: Second Thursday of every month, times vary
This women-centric class weaves together various mindfulness practices in addition to meditation – such as journaling – to relax and inspire participants to interconnect. Like a warm, inviting group therapy session, the goal here is to evoke mindful listening – so you can both listen, and be heard, in a positive environment.
Chill Chicago
222 W Kinzie St, (312) 222-1442
Class: Rest
Time: Mondays + Wednesdays, 7:30 pm
Melt into deep relaxation in this class, which fosters the transition from stress to sleep (and yes, a little snoozing is encouraged). “Rest” is designed to stop your nighttime tossing and turning, and bring you to a place of maximum calm.
The class is only offered in the evenings to mimic sleep time conditions, and at 45 minutes long, it’s just enough time to clear an anxious mind without inducing grogginess.
Breathe Bar
Class: Offering A
Want to add some relaxation to your workspace? Breathe Bar is an organization of yoga and meditation instructors who’ll come to your office.
Classes can be between 30 and 60 minutes, and reflect a wide variety of practices, including mindfulness, insight meditation, sound, and visualization – all suitable for either one-on-ones, team-building exercises, or your whole office.
Meditation classes In Wicker Park
Mirepoix Studio
1414 N. Ashland Avenue #1S, (708) 606-6890
Class: Mindful Vinyasa
Time: Varies, depending on schedule
If you prefer meditation on the side – with yoga as the main dish – then this class may be perfect for you. The breath synchronization is designed to help explore breath-to-movement on a deeper level, making for a strong flow that is, above all else, a moving meditation.
Meditation classes in West Town
Nature Yoga
Class: Meditation
Time: Varies
Though most of this sweet studio's classes are yoga-focused, they offer meditation classes as well. Their 30-minute meditation-specific class goes through different seated meditation techniques to focus the mind – encouraging participants to dive deeper into the internal self.
Looking to add some yoga to your mindful blend? Their weekly Restorative & Yoga Nidra class is on Wednesdays at 4:30pm.
Meditation classes in Lakeview
Hilltop Yoga
Class: Slow Flow
Time: Varies, often mid-mornings and early evenings
Life moves pretty fast, mused Chicago's most beloved truant, Ferris Bueller; If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Luckily, taking the time to stop and breathe is the entire point of this class. Each class deals deeply with the breath, as well as different techniques on meditation, to help attendees reconnect with their internal stillness and peace of mind.
Meditation classes in Bucktown
Zen YogaGarage
1845 N. Milwaukee Ave, (773) 227-7748
Class: Zen Yin
Time: Various times, mostly evenings
This heated class is perfect for days when you want to relax, and let gravity do the unwinding for you. Though it's a yoga class technically, it's highly meditative class by nature – and the props like blocks, blankets, and straps help to move the chi energy in the body, ultimately releasing tension and calming the nervous system.
The next time life in the Windy City blows you off balance, try meditation to re-center. Remember, there’s no right way to mediate; different practices work for different people. If you find a class isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to test out another!