The health benefits of a morning yoga routine reach beyond the first part of the day.
There are so many wonderful benefits to moving your body in the morning and taking time to get centered before you start your day. Incorporating a morning yoga practice into your day can really set you up for success in many ways. Morning yoga routines can take on many forms, from moving and stretching to simply breathing and finding stillness. Let’s explore five reasons why practicing yoga in the morning is good for you and then take a look at some simple stretches to get you started.
Why Morning Yoga is Good for You
1) Improves focus.
Taking time to breathe and get focused before your day is my #1 reason to practice yoga in the morning. We live in a fast-paced society where being busy is a badge of honor. If you have children or a demanding job, you know that the hustle and bustle of the day can begin immediately upon waking and you’re thrust into the chaos. Yoga helps still and calm the mind by synchronizing your breath with movement. Practicing morning yoga will help you have better focus and get full control of your day. Tip: Try not to look at any devices until after you’ve finished your morning yoga session.
2) Increase flexibility.
Doing simple stretches in the morning will not only feel good but will also help you gain flexibility and range of motion in your neck, back, hips, and other joints. Morning yoga will also help elongate muscles, release stress, and improve your overall range of motion. If you wake up stiff or sore in the morning, this will really shift the way you feel throughout the day. If you’re currently working with your AlignLife Chiropractor, you will find yoga is an excellent complement to your chiropractic care. Doing yoga in the morning before your appointment will help you be more pliable which can lead to greater results.
3) Boosts energy.
Exercise and movement release those feel-good endorphins, so it’s no surprise that incorporating yoga into your morning routine will give you a boost of energy that you can’t get from a cup of coffee. Moving your body involves—by default—cell movement and cell oxygenation. When your cells refresh the oxygen that runs through and between them, your whole body reinvigorates, too. By bringing your head, arms, and legs where they don’t normally spend the rest of the day, you will find this to be an energetic way to kick-start your day. You’ll also feel fresher, lighter, and more awake!
4) Tones body.
Yoga can be a full-body workout and a great way to tone your muscles. Practicing regularly will not add muscle mass like lifting weights. It’s not as intense as many other workouts, but it will build strength, flexibility, and definition.
5) Sets You Up for Success.
A quick search on the internet will quickly show you that many of the world’s most successful people have an established morning routine and many practice yoga. Yoga is a powerful routine to incorporate because it not only focuses on your physical health but your mental health as well.
Best Morning Yoga Stretches
Now that we agree on the benefits of morning yoga stretches, let’s tackle the next step. Where do you start?
If you’re new to yoga, starting might seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. Begin by finding a comfortable, quiet space where you can practice without distractions. Invest in a yoga mat for support and stability.
Next, explore beginner-friendly resources such as online tutorials, books, or local classes. Here’s a great article that gives you some basic beginning stretches. Focus on mastering basic poses like Downward-Facing Dog, Child’s Pose, and Warrior I before moving to advanced moves.
Remember to breathe deeply and listen to your body, never pushing yourself beyond your limits. As you progress, gradually incorporate more challenging poses and sequences. Most importantly, approach yoga with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity, allowing yourself to grow and evolve with each practice. Enjoy the journey of self-discovery and self-care that yoga offers.
Establishing Your Morning Yoga Routine
Once you’ve tried these eight stretches, you can explore other feel-good movements or simply return to a seated posture to spend a few more moments meditating and focusing on the day ahead. You can also try incorporating a few rounds of Sun Salutations once you feel established with these postures.
Establishing a consistent morning yoga routine that involves yoga offers many health benefits. However, one of my favorite reasons for making it a daily habit is that it helps you wake up and feel ready to take on the day no matter what challenges come your way. Try adding this to your morning routine and take note of the difference you feel after just a few weeks as well as how it helps you maintain your chiropractic adjustments between appointments!
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