Awaken Your Day: The Benefits of Morning Yoga

Awaken Your Day: The Benefits of Morning Yoga

Yoga as a Morning Ritual

Yoga, a versatile, low-impact exercise, has long been hailed for its multitude of health benefits. As a comprehensive body-mind workout, yoga can be a revitalizing way to start the day. Neha Gothe, director of the Exercise Psychology Lab at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, recommends yoga as an effective method to awaken the body and prepare it for the day ahead. It stretches key muscle groups, warms up joints, and promotes concentration through slow breathing techniques, which can also help reduce stress and anxiety.

Starting a morning yoga routine immediately after waking up, even before checking your phone, is recommended by Laura Schmalzl, a neuroscientist and yoga instructor at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. The routine should ideally commence with slow, gentle movements, and any pose that causes discomfort should be released.

Box Breathing: A Technique to Start Your Day

Natalie Nevins, a family medicine doctor and assistant dean at Western University of Health Sciences, suggests the “box breathing” technique as a perfect way to commence a morning yoga routine. The process involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 4 seconds, exhaling for 4 seconds, and holding the breath again for 4 seconds before repeating the cycle. This method can help reduce stress and improve concentration, making it an ideal way to start the day.

Suggested Morning Yoga Routine

The following poses are suggested for a revitalizing morning yoga routine:

1. Knees to Chest: This pose stretches the spine. Begin by lying on your back and hug your knees to your chest while inhaling and exhaling.
2. Half Cobra: This pose gently stretches the spine. Lie on your stomach, rest your forehead or cheek on the floor, place your palms on the floor directly under your shoulders and gently lift your chest and forehead off the floor.
3. Alternating Cat Cow: This pose stimulates spinal mobility and flexibility. From a tabletop position, arch your back while inhaling, then round your back while exhaling.
4. Child’s Pose: This gentle pose stretches the spine. From tabletop position, sit back on your heels and lower your torso between or onto your thighs.
5. Reclining Twist: This pose stretches the back and hips. Lie on your back, bring your knees to your chest, and gently lower them to one side while turning your head to the opposite side.
6. Spinal Flex: This gentle back stretch is ideal for those who sit at a desk all day. Sit on the floor with your legs crossed, and gently arch your back while inhaling, then round your spine while exhaling.
7. Upward Salute: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, gently move your hips forward using your core, and slowly raise your arms above your head.

The Value of Yoga

In summary, yoga is a valuable tool for both mental and physical health. It can be practiced without any equipment, making it accessible for anyone. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner, practicing yoga in the morning can help prepare the body and mind for the day ahead. So, why not start tomorrow with a gentle stretch, a deep breath, and a focused intention?