We’ve already talked about the benefits of creating a regular Yoga at Home practice, but is it better for you to do yoga in the morning or the evening? Are there increased benefits to be had from setting your alarm that bit earlier so that you can practice first thing, or should you wait until later on in the day? Really this comes down to personal preference and the type of yoga you like to practice.
What are the Benefits of Doing Yoga in the morning?
Starting your day with a short yoga practice is a great way to wake up and stretch out after a night’s sleep. Plus, taking a few mindful moments just for you will help to clear your mind and set you up for the day ahead. I love practising yoga at home when the house is quiet and still before the rest of my family wakes up. I cherish these few minutes to myself, listening to my body.
Ideally, your morning yoga practice should be playful and energizing to work with the rising energy in your body. Moving through a vinyasa or hatha flow or completing several rounds of Sun Salutations will really help to stimulate your digestion and get your energy levels buzzing for the day ahead.
Suggested Poses to Include in a Morning Yoga Practise:
- Mountain Pose
- Forward Fold
- Warrior 1
- Warrior 2
- Warrior 3
- Triangle Pose
- Extended Triangle Pose
- Tree Pose
Don’t have much time in the morning? You really don’t need very long at all to make a difference to both your body and mind. Even if you only have 10 minutes to run through a quick practice, this will reap so many benefits if done on a consistent basis.
What are the Benefits of Doing Yoga in the Evening?
If the thought of waking up early to practice yoga really isn’t your thing then all is not lost. Pracitising yoga in the evening is just as beneficial for your body and mind. It can soon become a really effective part of your evening routine to help you wind down and release the stresses of your day before you go to bed.
If you prefer an evening yoga practice then try and keep it down on the ground and adopt a slower pace. This will help to match the declining energy in your body at this time of the day. Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga are great options for the evening.
Suggested Poses to include in an Evening Yoga Practise:
- Child Pose
- Pigeon Pose
- Crocodile Pose
- Happy Baby Pose
- Supine Spinal Twists
- Savasana
Spending a few minutes before bed practising breathwork or listening to a guided meditation are two other useful yoga tools to help you soothe and calm your mind before falling into a restful nights sleep. Yoga is so much more than just being about moving your body. Yoga is a practise that comes with many different tools that you can pull out when needed.
Is it better to do yoga in the morning or the evening?
There is no right or wrong time to practise yoga. Finding what works for your body and schedule is the most important factor when deciding whether to practise in the morning or in the evening (or even the afternoon). And you don’t have to do the same thing every day. Some days you might wake up craving a Sun Salutation Flow, other days you might hit your alarm again but come home craving a slow, restorative practise to help you wind down after a long day.
I would argue though that it is important to consider the type of yoga you practise once you have decided what time to practise. Consider where your energy levels are at, how long you have to spend on your practise and what your aims area in that moment. You are always your own best guide on your yoga mat, learn to trust what your body is asking for and you will find the right yoga practice for you at anytime of the day.
Let me know under comments if you have a preference and why?
