50 Essential Meditation Statistics for 2024: Benefits, Technology & Practice Data

The unprecedented disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed people to seek a few moments of solace through meditation. In particular, many of them turned to virtual meditation to relieve them of fear, anxiety, and other mental and emotional distress.

Whether through online video guides or with the help of professional instructors and gurus available on various online booking software, meditation has benefitted many in this time of crisis and there are numbers and actual studies to prove it. In this article, we have gathered all the essential meditation statistics, along with current trends, to inform your practice.

Prolonged home confinement during the pandemic has taken its toll on people’s well-being. As gyms and other recreational facilities closed to the general public, many have resorted to wellness apps and workout guides to stay fit while keeping safe at home.

A study by App Annie reveals that the number of downloads for health and fitness mobile apps surged by a record-breaking 276 million in April 2020. By August of the same year, the total global spending on health and fitness apps reached another record of $185 million. Compared to 2019, the global download of health and fitness apps went up by 30% in 2020. Additionally, the time spent on fitness and health mobile apps also increased by 25% in 2020.

The demand for health and wellness apps also prompted app developers to catch up fast. By the end of 2020, approximately 71,000 health and fitness mobile apps had been released. Compared to 2019, the number of newly released health and wellness mobile apps increased by 13% in 2020.

Among the most sought-after wellness apps are those designed for meditation and relaxation, two of which entered Google Play’s leading apps under the health and fitness category in terms of revenue as of January 2021.

1. Meditation Market Statistics

Meditation has been a trend before its sudden upsurge in 2020. In fact, a few years back, meditation continued to be the fastest-growing health trend in the United States by the CDC. But what has changed since then? In the succeeding essential meditation statistics, we will share with you some of the latest data we have gathered that illustrates the value of meditation today.

• The global meditation market is expected to be worth $9 billion by 2027. (Data Bridge, 2020)
• The mindfulness meditation apps market is predicted to reach $2.1 billion from 2020 to 2025. (KD Market Insights, 2020)
• The size of the meditation market in the US is predicted to reach $2.08 billion by 2022. (WebWire; Elflein)
• In 2019, the 10 most popular meditation apps have gathered a total sales of $195 million. (The Good Body, 2021)
• Health and fitness apps, including meditation apps were installed 22% more in 2020 compared to the year prior. (Chan, 2021)
• Calm is the most popular meditation app in 2020 with 5.26 million downloads, followed by Headspace with 2.08 million downloads and Meditopia which gathered 1.89 million downloads in 2020. (Priori Data; Buchholz, 2020)
• Calm’s annual market potential is predicted to reach $158.8 million from private senior homes in the US. (Singh, 2020)
• Fitbit reported a 2,900% average increase in meditation logs across all age groups of Fitbit users globally. (Fitbit Staff, 2021)
• North America accounts for the largest portion of the meditation market’s growth. (Singh, 2020)
• New Zealand showed the highest spike in meditation with 9,017%; the United Kingdom came next with a 7,350% surge in Fitbit meditation logs. (McGroarty, 2020)
• 34% of the most purchased types of health apps in the US are meditation apps. (Stewart, 2020)
• The top 10 meditation influencers get between 45,000 to 150,000 likes per post and an average engagement rate of 2% to more than 15% on average. (Heepsy, 2021)
• A meditation guru can earn between $6,000 to $10,000 a year. (Net Worth Spot, 2021)
• The total revenue of health and fitness apps in 2020 reached $209 million. (Chan, 2021)

2. Impact of Meditation’s Across Generations Statistics

In this section, we will take a look at how millions of people from different age groups have used meditation to improve their overall well-being. In particular, Gen Zers see meditation as a pragmatic approach to dealing with various pressures as they define their own lifestyles. Millennials, on the other hand, turn to meditation to help them find work-life balance. Meanwhile, Baby Boomers get into meditation for its holistic benefits.

• Approximately 200-500 million people engage in meditation worldwide. (Rakicevic, 2021)
• 23% of Gen Z engages in the practice of meditation or mindfulness to take care of their physical well-being. (Georgiou & Chheda, 2020)
• The number of Gen Zers practicing meditation to improve their mental well-being is twice more than Baby Boomers. (Georgiou & Chheda, 2020)
• 21% of American survey respondents claim that they somewhat are interested in learning meditation or yoga through the virtual class. Meanwhile, 45% are not interested at all. (Morning Consult, 2020; Lange, 2020)
• The number of yoga participants in the US has grown to 55.05 million in 2020. (Statista Research Department; )
• More than 2,500 meditation apps have been launched from 2015 to 2020. (AppInventiv; Goodwin, 2020)
• Amid the pandemic, consumers over 60 years old leverage technology to attend meditation classes. (ESL Insights, 2020)
• 39% of parents who belong to the Millennial generation consume “meditation-adjacent content” such as loops of animations with soothing sound effects. (YPulse, 2020)
• 5.4% of individuals between the ages of 4 and 17 have practiced meditation. (Tuchow, 2020)
• Animated videos that focus on teaching kids about meditation and mindfulness have been extremely popular on YouTube during the pandemic. (Tuchow, 2020)
• The search for yoga and meditation apps has grown by 65% between 2019 and 2020 as more young consumers seek virtual resources to manage their stress and anxiety. (YPulse, 2020)
• 53% of senior citizens in the US try to meditate at least once every week. (Singh, 2020)
• 16% of women meditate regularly compared to 12% of men. (Singh, 2020)

3. Meditation and Technology Statistics

Incorporating technology into the practice of meditation has only made it more accessible to many. In this section, let us check out the latest developments that aim to further reinforce the use of technology in meditation and mindfulness.

• According to App Inventive, iOS is still preferred more over Android when it comes to meditation/self-care, (Singh, 2020)
• Users of meditation apps prefer those with media features and activity/progress trackers. (Singh, 2020)
• The meditation industry has jumped into the virtual reality or VR trend, which can help the industry grow to $3.9 billion in 2023. (Singh, 2020)
• Calm and Headspace are the leading meditation apps, accounting for approximately 70% of the market share. (Bhisey, 2020)
• 63% of US-based users of meditation apps, however, spend more time in Insightimer. (Singh, 2020)
• Wearable devices that are capable of tracking stress and anxiety levels may become a trend in 2021. (Laurence, 2020)
• Individuals who meditate more than once a day are willing to pay as much as $23.49 per month on a meditation app subscription. (Singh, 2020)

4. Statistics on the Benefits of Meditation

As people learn to maintain sound mental health, they also realize that meditation contributes to emotional well-being. Studies show that meditation helps individuals suffering from diseases and improves their overall physical health. Aside from these, they also came to see that meditation goes well with other health and fitness pursuits and that these need not be expensive.

• 20 minutes of daily mindfulness meditation resulted in a significant downregulation of a proinflammatory gene and a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory activity. (McEwen, 2020)
• Meditation can be used as an intervention for the treatment of chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, musculoskeletal pain, etc. (Maglione et al., p. 199-213)
• Hypertensive patients who practice transcendental meditation can lower their blood pressure. (Bai et al., p. 653-662)
• A study also reveals that transcendental meditation can slow the rate of cellular aging and is also associated with longevity. (Alexander et al., p. 950-964)
• Unhealthy food cravings can be curbed by 40% by meditating for at least 10 minutes a day. (Mackenzie, 2019)

The most well-known benefits of meditation, however, are those related to the factors that affect an individual’s mental wellness. With the world still dealing with the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant portion of the world’s population continues to struggle with their mental health.

According to a recent study on the implications of COVID-19 for mental health, American adults suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorder. To support this claim, recent data from the US Census Bureau’s ongoing Household Pulse Survey shows that 4 in 10 adults in the US reported having symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is important to note that this data covers only the month of January 2021. Compared to the data from a similar study in 2019, the surge in the number of cases is staggering. Moreover, the 2019 data covered a six-month period and only 1 in 10 adults reportedly had the same symptoms.

There is no current scientific proof to show that meditation can cure depression and anxiety. However, several studies reveal that meditation and mindfulness-based interventions have positive effects on brain activity.

• Practicing meditation helps reduce stress response and anxiety as it counters the symptoms of anxiety disorders. (Hoge et al., p. 786-792)
• Meditation helps improve emotion regulation, especially among people with a social anxiety disorder. (Goldin & Gross, p. 83-91)
• Meditation can help those who experienced a major depressive episode from having a relapse. (Lu, p. 50)
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can help in the treatment of adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. (Schoenberg et al., p. 1407-1416)
• Another study shows that mindfulness training is effective in reducing postpartum depression symptoms. ((Sheydaei et al., p. 4753-4758)

5. Meditation in Practice Statistics

How people practice meditation varies depending on different factors. Among these factors is the time people have for meditating. Additionally, how long they have been practicing meditation is also a factor to consider. Below are some statistics on how people incorporate meditation into their lives.

• Over 14% of Americans have practiced meditation at least once. (The Good Body, 2021)
• Among the Americans who practice meditation, 7% are children. (The Good Body, 2021)
• An average person often meditates 2-3 days per week. (Mellowed, 2020)
• 80% of people spend 30 minutes or less in a meditation session. (Mellowed, 2020)
• 87% of people practicing meditation prefer to meditate alone and only 3% prefer group meditation. (Mellowed, 2020)
• 84% of people meditate to reduce stress and anxiety. (Mellowed, 2020)
• 30% of people have been meditating for more than five years. (Mellowed, 2020)

How to start a meditation practice?

Starting a meditation practice can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some simple steps to help you begin your journey into meditation:

• Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet, comfortable spot to sit without distractions. It could be a cozy corner in your home, a peaceful park, or anywhere you feel at ease.
• Set a Time: Decide on a specific time for your meditation practice. Start with 5 to 10 minutes daily and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Consistency is key, so try to meditate simultaneously each day.
• Get Comfortable: Sit in a comfortable position, whether on a chair, cushion, or the floor. Keep your back straight to promote relaxation and focus. You can close or keep your eyes slightly open, gazing softly at a point before you.
• Focus on Your Breath: Begin by taking deep, calming breaths. Focus your attention on your inhalation and exhalation. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath without judgment.
• Explore Guided Meditations: If you’re unsure how to start, consider using guided meditations. Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer offer a variety of sessions to help you get started.
• Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Meditation is a practice that takes time to develop. It’s normal for your mind to wander; when it does, simply acknowledge it and return your focus to your breath.

Coping with Pandemic-induced Anxiety and Stress Through Meditation

There are strong scientific evidences to support the benefits of practicing meditation. It is, however, important to note that the results are not instantaneous: in fact, they also vary according to individual circumstances.

Since 2012, the number of people who practice meditation has tripled. The COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in accelerating the adoption of meditation practices across the globe. As people turned to meditation to help reduce stress and anxiety, it is not a surprise that many have chosen to incorporate mindfulness-based practices into their lives. With bad news all around, the practice alleviates some of the negative effects brought about by an unprecedented global crisis.

Considering the circumstances and the advantages it offers, meditation and mindfulness is an ideal recreational pursuit. Moreover, another advantage it offers is it is not an expensive health and fitness activity.

Key Insights

• Increased Interest in Meditation During the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased interest in meditation as people sought ways to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Virtual meditation through online video guides and professional instructors became a popular method for many to find solace during this time.
• Growth of the Meditation Market: The global meditation market is expected to reach $9 billion by 2027, with the mindfulness meditation apps market predicted to grow to $2.1 billion from 2020 to 2025. In the US, the meditation market size is anticipated to reach $2.08 billion by 2022.
• Popularity of Meditation Apps: Meditation apps have seen a surge in downloads and usage. Calm and Headspace are leading the market, with Calm recording 5.26 million downloads in 2020. Meditation apps accounted for 34% of the most purchased health apps in the US.
• Demographic Trends: Meditation practices vary across generations. Gen Z engages in meditation to manage physical and mental well-being, while Millennials use it for work-life balance. Baby Boomers seek holistic benefits. There is a significant uptake in meditation across all age groups, with a notable increase in meditation logs among Fitbit users globally.
• Technological Integration: Meditation and technology are increasingly intertwined. Wearable devices that track stress and anxiety levels are becoming more popular. Meditation apps with media features and activity/progress trackers are preferred by users. Virtual reality is also being explored as a new frontier in meditation.
• Benefits of Meditation: Studies have shown that meditation can reduce inflammation, manage chronic pain, lower blood pressure, and even slow cellular aging. It is also beneficial for mental health, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
• Meditation Practices: Meditation practices vary, with 87% preferring to meditate alone and 80% spending 30 minutes or less per session. The primary reasons for meditation include reducing stress and anxiety, improving concentration and memory, and enhancing general health and wellness.

FAQ

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the interest in meditation? The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased interest in meditation as people sought ways to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Virtual meditation through online video guides and professional instructors became a popular method for many to find solace during this time.
2. What is the expected growth of the global meditation market? The global meditation market is expected to reach $9 billion by 2027. The mindfulness meditation apps market is predicted to grow to $2.1 billion from 2020 to 2025.
3. Which meditation apps are currently leading the market? Calm and Headspace are leading the meditation app market. In 2020, Calm recorded 5.26 million downloads, making it the most popular meditation app.
4. How do different generations use meditation? Gen Z engages in meditation to manage physical and mental well-being, while Millennials use it for work-life balance. Baby Boomers seek holistic benefits. Meditation practices have increased across all age groups, with a significant uptake among Fitbit users globally.
5. What role does technology play in modern meditation practices? Technology plays a significant role in modern meditation practices. Wearable devices that track stress and anxiety levels are becoming more popular. Meditation apps with media features and activity/progress trackers are preferred by users. Virtual reality is also being explored as a new frontier in meditation.
6. What are the health benefits of meditation? Meditation has been shown to reduce inflammation, manage chronic pain, lower blood pressure, and slow cellular aging. It also has mental health benefits, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
7. How do people typically practice meditation? Most people prefer to meditate alone, with 87% meditating solo. Sessions typically last 30 minutes or less, and the primary reasons for meditation include reducing stress and anxiety, improving concentration and memory, and enhancing general health and wellness.
8. How has the usage of health and wellness apps changed during the pandemic? The usage of health and wellness apps, including meditation apps, has surged during the pandemic. Health and fitness app downloads increased by 30% in 2020 compared to the previous year, and time spent on these apps also rose by 25%.
9. What are the most popular types of purchased health apps in the US? In the US, 34% of the most purchased health apps are meditation apps, followed by nutrition apps (50%) and sleep tracking apps (37%).
10. Is there scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meditation for mental health? Yes, scientific studies have shown that meditation helps reduce stress response and anxiety, improves emotion regulation, and can help prevent relapse in individuals who have experienced a major depressive episode. It is also effective in reducing symptoms of postpartum depression and aiding in the treatment of ADHD.

References

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By Nestor Gilbert

Nestor Gilbert is a senior B2B and SaaS analyst and a core contributor at FinancesOnline for over 5 years. With his experience in software development and extensive knowledge of SaaS management, he writes mostly about emerging B2B technologies and their impact on the current business landscape. However, he also provides in-depth reviews on a wide range of software solutions to help businesses find suitable options for them. Through his work, he aims to help companies develop a more tech-forward approach to their operations and overcome their SaaS-related challenges.