In need of a good guided meditation? It’s hard to find quality apps and videos that aren’t locked behind a paywall. Fortunately, however, these free guided meditation videos on YouTube come from trusted sources who can effectively lead experienced meditators (and anxious newcomers) to experience calmness and relaxation through meditation.
Below, after watching hundreds of videos, we spotlight some of the best guided meditation videos on the Internet right now.
All of these guided meditations work best when listened to on headphones, but if you want to play them out loud from your computer or device, that works, too! (Headphones just allow for a more immersive experience.) We hope they bring you some comfort when you need a moment of calm.
Now sit back, take a deep breath, exhale, and enjoy!
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Nice, Long Meditation For Feelings of Overwhelm
This lengthy, thorough guided meditation is best used by experienced meditators who need a pick-me-up. This is a classic body-scan visualization that really gets in tune with present moment awareness and loving energy for the self.
If you’re looking for some fast, quippy anxiety relief, read our scrollable rundown of 10 Anxiety Hacks Every Nervous Person Should Know.
Related: Read this Op-Ed on the Difference between “Self-Care” and “Self Comfort”, and why you need both.
Good Beginner Guided Meditation
This “Back to Basics” guided meditation video sounds a bit “woo” at the beginning, but the gentle rain sounds (and the host’s nice Australian accent) make for a soothing meditation backdrop.
If you’re new to meditation, just know that the benefits are cumulative. The more you meditate, the easier it becomes. Harvard Medical School has even done studies that prove regular meditation is more beneficial than a vacation.
The idea is to spend a few minutes in meditation every day, which will improve your mood over time.
Just as we exercise our bodies, meditation is like exercise for the mind, which helps it become more focused and sharper. And much like exercise, it’s never too late to start!
Good for Insomnia
This super long meditation is very helpful for those struggling to fall asleep and/or stay asleep. This extended 2+ hour narrative is super gentle, and the narrator’s voice is so calming that the way it lulls me to sleep is almost like a Pavlovian reaction.
She tells the story of a shepherd– a nice spin-off of the classic imagery of “counting sheep”– which goes on and on until, frankly, you either fall asleep or finish the video, in which case you can just start the video back up again.
Because the tempo of the meditation is in concert with binaural beats, you can drift in and out and the meditation won’t wake you up (even if you’ve fallen asleep and it’s still playing).
Still struggling to get those ZZZs? Read our guide to the best, safest herbal remedies for insomnia, including which teas help promote the most restful sleep. Also: these DIY gummy “sleep vitamins” will help you get better rest, as well.
Good For Pain Management
This excellent guided meditation for pain management explains the theory of using meditation for pain management very well. It’s worth listening for the intro alone! Then, the gentle visual guidance that follows is very insightful.
This visual meditation is good for managing everything from back pain to chronic pain to pain stemming from athletic injury. Regularly listen to this guided meditation video and find yourself transported to a place of more ease. (Both physical and mental.)
Also: If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic neck and shoulder tension— or pain in the upper back– these 5 chiropractor- and physical-therapist-approved stretches can help.
Good for Acute Anxiety (In the Middle of a Panic Attack)
Panic attacks can be scary, especially if you are new to them. Fortunately, guided meditations and slow breathing can help provide some relief in the moment.
If you’re currently experiencing a panic attack or acute stress, you might want to read this.
Also: Learn more about why citrus fruits induce an immediate feeling of calm— and how they can help you calm spiraling thoughts in the future. Icing your wrists can also help. (<—Read more about the science behind that here.)
Good for Passing Time on Planes, Trains, While Sitting in Airports, etc.
This Boho Beautiful meditation can feel a little spiritual at the beginning– which might be a turn-off for people who don’t like “religious” meditations.
But, the central mantra of this guided meditation video– “I attract love, joy, and peace”– is one that both spiritual people and agnostics can get behind. (Plus, the footage is beautiful and very transporting.)
If you’re looking for a meditation that literally transports you to a beautiful place, this is a good place to start!
Related: Sarah Blondin’s “Honoring Life” Meditation is a Thing of Beauty.
Good Meditation for Overcoming Guilt
This guided visual meditation video for guilt is a relaxed, not-too-intense version of a classic memory rewriting meditation.
A “rewrite” meditation is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a common technique for dealing with guilt, sadness, or past trauma in which you imagine the negative scenario in your mind, and then “rewrite” a more happy ending, adding in details that you wish you could have had in the moment.
In the end, it emphasizes acceptance.
We love the calming nature sounds used in the background of this guided meditation video. The Honest Guys have a very soothing vocal delivery.
Meanwhile, the contemplative background music is nice for those who like a more active soundscape for their meditations.
Good for a Cluttered Mind
This is soothing visual meditation might sound a little woo-ey at first, but once the guided meditation starts, it’s a pretty clear narrative to follow.
We like the visualization employed in this video– it’s an exercise in “organizing your thoughts” that can be helpful in times of overwhelm, such as when you’re experiencing racing thoughts at night.
Related: A scrollable shortlist of 25 Research-Backed Tips for Meaningful Anxiety Relief.
Good For Resetting on Your Lunch Break
Nothing is as good for daily productivity and stress management as taking 10 minutes to meditate during your lunch break. Calm.com’s free 10-minute “Be Present” meditation is just the thing.
It’s not too spiritual, yet not too formulaic, with plenty of soothing nature sounds that encourage your mind to wander and reset. (Normally, you have to pay for these guided meditation videos. Fortunately, this one is free. 🙂 )
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Related: These are the 6 Best Free Meditation Apps on the Market Today.
Suffering from anxiety and stress in your day-to-day life? Read our Comprehensive Guide to Anxiety Relief: 25 Research-Backed Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On or, read about How Cold Therapy Became a Pop Culture Phenomenon.
Excellent. very relaxing