Morning Yoga Routine

Table of Contents

Imagine waking up with a sense of refreshment, energy and the outlook towards life. Many people feel as if the morning is a sprint, the clock is an enemy and that focus is hard to find. But what if there was a quick, simple and very powerful way to make your morning different and therefore make your whole day different? A morning yoga routine can be transformational.

In our fast-paced lives, you may feel that it is a luxury to have time to relax and take care of yourself, and you may have real issues with finding time for yoga in the morning, but it is a worthy investment of time. It is not only about warming up your muscles but also waking up your whole body and mind. It is an internal soft spark that ignites your mind and body.

Benefits of a Morning Yoga Routine

Morning yoga routine brings out in numerous benefits for the body, mind and soul. Here are some of the benefits:

  1. Adds to Your Energy: You will never have to push that snooze button again. One of the amazing effects yoga can have is gently wake up your nervous system and improve blood circulation, which provides more of a natural boost of energy that lasts much longer than coffee.
  2. Improves Focus and Mental Clarity: Practicing yoga in the morning helps to shut all the mindless chatter in your head so that you can stay focused.
  3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Practicing mindful movement and breathwork early in the morning can significantly reduce stress.
  4. Increases Strength and Flexibility: Practicing every day will steadily improve your body's range of motion. It makes your everyday movements easier and reduce your risk of injuries.
  5. Improves Digestion: Certain yoga positions place gentle pressure on your internal organs, helping them with digestion.
  6. Improves Mood: The endorphins that are released when doing yoga may just make you happy - possibly setting the tone for your whole day.
  7. Develops A Healthy Habit: When you commit to a morning yoga practice, you build a structure for more healthy habits almost without realizing it.

How to Prepare for Morning Yoga Routine

Planning your day in advance can help you get into the habit of your morning yoga routine effortlessly. You can add the following points to your routine:

  1. Wake up at the same time every day: Our bodies crave routines. Wake up at the same time every day, including weekends, so that everything stays in sync and your internal clock works properly. Ultimately, you will just feel naturally awake when it is time to practice.
  2. Practice on an empty stomach: Yoga is best done on an empty stomach or at least a few hours after eating. Usually, all you are going to need is a small glass of water or perhaps a few sips of warm lemon water.
  3. Create a Quiet Place: Pick a spot to practice, just clean and free from distractions. Put down your mat and maybe light a candle or put a small plant nearby.

5-Minute Warm-Up Sequence for Morning Yoga

Before diving into deeper poses, a gentle warm-up is crucial to prepare your muscles and joints. This short sequence will awaken your body slowly and safely.

  1. Gentle Neck Rolls: In a standing or seated position, lower your chin to the chest, roll the right ear toward the right shoulder. Repeat on the left side. Practice 3-5 times on one side.
  2. Shoulder Rolls: Raise your shoulders to your ears, then lower and raise them again. This may need to be done five to ten times in each direction.
  3. Wrist Circles: Make gentle fists, extend your arms in front of you, and perform five wrist circles in each direction.
  4. Ankle Circles: Raise one foot up and move the ankle in a circle five times in each direction while you are sitting or lying down. Next, repeat with the opposite foot.

Morning Yoga Sequence to Boost Energy

Once warmed up, move into these poses designed to invigorate your body and mind. Hold each pose for 3-5 breaths unless otherwise specified.

1. Child's Pose (Balasana): On your mat, kneel with your knees apart and your big toes touching. Lengthen your arms forward and sit back on your heels while maintaining a wide knee. Bring your forehead down to the floor. In addition to providing a gentle back stretch, this grounding pose helps you decompress.

2. Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar): This flowing pattern raises the body's energy level and serves as a complete warm-up. It links you to every part of your body and embodies breathing with movement:

  1. Tadasana, or Mountain Pose
  2. Urdhva Hastasana, or the Upward Salute Pose
  3. Uttanasana, or Standing Forward Fold
  4. Ardha Uttanasana's or Standing Half Forward Bend
  5. The Plank Pose or Phalakasana
  6. Chaturanga Dandasana or Four-Limbed Staff Pose
  7. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, or Upward-Facing Dog Pose
  8. Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward-Facing Dog Pose

3. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Place your right foot between your palms while in the downward-facing dog pose. Align the arch of your right foot with your left heel as you bring it down to the floor. Examine your front middle finger while extending your arms parallel to the floor. You will bend your front knee at a right angle. This pose improves your strength, endurance, and concentration. Repeat with your left side.

4. Plank Pose (Phalakasana): Get into Warrior II pose by straightening your front leg. Touch your shin, ankle, or block with your front hand as you move it forward and bend toward your front hip. Raise your upper arm toward the ceiling. This pose awakens your abdominal organs and stretches your hips, groins, and hamstrings. Repeat with your left side.

5. Tree pose (Vrksasana): Use your left foot to support your weight. Touch your left ankle, calf, or thigh (not your knee) with your right foot. Raise your arms above your head or bring your hands together in a heart-centered prayer. This pose improves your balance and concentration. Repeat with your right leg.

6. Savasana (Corpse pose): With your legs straight and your arms by your sides, slowly lie flat on your back with your hands facing the ceiling. To get the most out of your practice, give yourself permission to unwind completely. One of the most crucial poses for integration and relaxation is this final one!

Tips to Stay Consistent with Your Morning Yoga Routine

Building any new habit takes dedication. Here are some tips to help you stick with your morning yoga routine.

  1. Start with small goals: Don't expect to do an hour of yoga on day one. Maybe start with 10 to 15 mins of yoga and then increase the time when you are ready. Even 5 mins count!
  2. Prepare everything the night before: Lay out your yoga clothes, mat, and whatever props or support you may want.
  3. Discover your "why": Think of all the positives. Do you want to feel more energized? Less stressed? Increased focus? Knowing your motivation will help on those tough mornings.
  4. Make it enjoyable: Play soothing music; light a scented candle; practice near a window to bask in the daylight. Decorate your area in a way that makes you feel at home.
  5. Acknowledge your progress and allow yourself grace: There will be days when you are not so inclined to do it; make sure you do not let that bring you down. Notice and then resolve to step back onto the mat the next day. Consistency wins over perfection.
  6. Keep track of your progress: Write down each day about your practice in a journal or a basic calendar. It can be really inspiring to see how far you have come.
  7. Try Different Styles and Teachers: If you are getting bored, try a different online yoga session or follow a different teacher. Explore things up to keep them interesting.

Conclusion

Yoga is much more than working out. It is a way to express your desire to take care of yourself and live a healthier and happier life. Spending a few minutes every morning to getting movement in your body, putting some thoughtful mind time in, and practicing breathwork will surely make your mood better for the rest of the day. You will be calmer, more focused, wide awake and less anxious. If you can get up a little earlier, prepare your mat, and be surprised at how yoga can change your mornings. Your body and mind will feel much better!    

Tagged: Yoga