It’s already been established that Yoga is fantastic for your physical and mental well-being. But what time of day do you need to save for yoga practice?
Is it OK to spend the entire hour in savasana at the end of a session, or should we take up our postures more frequently throughout the day?
So, What is the Best Time to do Yoga?
Have you ever heard the best time to eat? or the best time to sleep? Or best time to breathe? Or best time to drink water?
That’s strange right! – You perform each task when you feel the comfort and need to do them. There is nothing like a time bomb clicking and telling you to perform chores at a certain time.
Similarly, there is nothing like “best time to do yoga,” – DO IT ANYTIME!! Whatever time you feel most comfortable becomes the most suitable time to do Yoga.
Although, no doubt, doing certain things at a particular time during your day helps bring mental balance and calmness to your environment. But we are living in the 21st generation, and we all are busy, therefore don’t feel shame in making your schedule and executing it your way!
Anytime is good to do physical training, be it Yoga, Pilates, Jogging, or Strength Training. The one thing you need to keep in mind is consistency.
Make sure whatever routine you choose has to be something you can follow every day. For example – If you are a beginner and you like to do yoga-related workouts in the evening, then make a habit of sticking to the same time every day.
This will help you work with the routine for the long run and develop focus over time. However, constantly changing fitness routines can be mentally disturbing for beginners.
As a result, this can hinder your daily workout consistency, and you might not see any difference in your fitness.
Exploring Options : 4 Best Time to do Yoga!
Yoga has been an essential part of my practice since last year, and I’m still exploring my ways around many poses.
However, if you have just started Yoga, it is good to try doing easy static poses first, learn the proper breathing technique and posture stance, and then slowly progress into a dynamic yoga practice.
If you don’t know what time is best for Yoga and what to perform as a beginner? – Well, thankfully, I’ve got you all covered by designing these handy ways, outlining 5 of the best times to keep up with your yoga routine and stay in shape for life.
#1 Early Morning Yoga Routine
Morning workouts are the best because they give us enough energy boost for the whole day and you feel physically accomplished at the early part of your day.
In addition, tuning into self as the first thing in the morning can start our days with a renewed sense of self-awareness.
Yoga practices like Surya Namaskar, Spine stretch, Neck Stretch, and Kapalabhati are best for beginners’ morning yoga routine.
Early morning routines can pump up our cortisol levels, which is vital in treating depression, stress, and anxiety.
But if you are not a morning person or your mornings are already jam-packed with responsibilities, there’s no shame in sticking to evening yoga sessions.
#2 Yoga Before Lunch or Dinner
Afternoon/Late Evening yoga can also be a decent way of staying fit without spending much time.
Performing Yoga this time of the day will help you conquer midday slumps, lift your mood, give you a rush of endorphins, and help better blood flow throughout your body and brain.
Just 30 minutes before your lunch, you can dive into a yogi practice like Downward Facing Dog, Cobra Stretch, Eagle Pose, Boat Pose, Plank Pose, and Chair Pose.
Yoga before dinner/lunch works wonderfully as we get hungry after a workout, and just after your activity having lunch/dinner will make you more alert to make healthier food choices.
It can also be a great way of slowing down and taking care of our lives. In addition, the body naturally becomes more alkaline after a yoga session, so we are better able to process and digest those post-workout protein-rich foods.
#3 Late Night Yoga Routine
Bedtime yoga is a thing and is very effective too. If you are one of those who get free in the latter part of the day due to kids and work commitments, this might be the best time for you.
You can perform poses like Chandra Namaskar, Locust Pose, Standing Forward Bend, Cat and Cow Stretch, Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend, Siddhasana with om chant, and Corpse Pose.
Before ending your day, get into the Yoga mentioned above for just 30 minutes and then go to bed. You will feel extremely relaxed.
These poses will help you alleviate insomnia, improved the quality and quantity of sleep, and aids in mental peace.
#4 THE GOLDEN TIME TO STAY FIT
A Quick Routine Just Before Leaving for Work/While Working
For those with children, this is an especially great option since early mornings can be tricky. But unfortunately, these people always end up cramming about how to bust their schedule and how impossible it is for them to stay in shape.
Performing Yoga just before leaving for work/while working can probably be the most challenging option, but trust me, you can do this easily.
A quick yoga routine for 10 to 15 minutes involving dynamic body stretching like syura namaskar is best before leaving for work. Just make sure you manage to get enough time to get ready for work afterwards!
For example, you can do ten rounds of Surya Namaskar or move into static stretches as down dog and cat-cow stretch; this will not take more than 15 minutes.
Or you can take work breaks in between while you do your 9-5 job. Simple take 5 minutes breaks every 40 to 60 minutes, and do some neck and spine stretching.
You can also leave your desk during lunchtime or an important work call and start walking around, just for the sake of added movement.
What to Benefits to Expect From a Yoga Session?
Well, here are some of the major health benefits that Yoga brings with consistency:
- Boost’s concentration.
- It helps build core strength.
- Increases balance and coordination.
- Improved posture and good circulation.
- It helps to strengthen joints with injury and sore muscles.
- Yoga practice helps to regulate breath, mobility and increases flexibility.
- Yoga is the best way to relieve lower back pain. The key here is to do proper stretching and warming up the muscles before the workout. This has been proved by the fact that stretching is the most critical step for the best results.
The Bottom Line
There is nothing like “best time to do yoga” – As I always say, fitness is a lifestyle, and to make any habit your lifestyle; you need consistency.
So that all it takes- being consistent!! Apart from this, what time you do it, where you do it, which hardly matters.
Fitness should never make you feel bound to some specific routine, rules, and regulations. Instead, every practice should come to you naturally.
Choose the time you feel most relieved and accessible. Then, go ahead and practices Yoga the way you like it.
I’m not telling you that the yoga routines mentioned above will make you a super yogi, lean or toned (that’s a different ball game).
However, after choosing the proper workout routine and being consistent, you will at least strengthen your body physically and mentally tremendously.
Doubts about performing yoga during Covid-19? Then, must-read yoga guidelines by the Indian Ministry of AYUSH, click here.
