Think of a yogi and most images of these experts feature intense poses of unbelievable strength and flexibility. But no one starts out that way, even the ones who now teach and lead thousands. It takes years of practice to get to the expert level, but everyone has to start somewhere. Yoga may appear to be intimidating at first, but by starting your practice gently and gradually working your way up, you’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make in just a few months, even weeks. And what could be better than embarking on this yogic journey than on International Day of Yoga!
So, TC46 brought in one of our favourites, nutritionist and yoga guru Paramita Singh. Here, she shares the reason yoga is practised in the morning, some key dos and don’ts and 5 yoga asanas that are perfect for beginners.
The History Behind Performing Yoga In The Morning
Yoga is not just asanas or physical exercise. It is to unite the body, mind, and soul to God. The spiritual aspect of yoga, helps yogis develop oneness with supreme consciousness. If a person wants to go beyond the physical aspect of it then practising yoga early morning gives better results. In the morning, though our body is stiff, our mind is at its best state – alert and determined.
Practising Yoga In The Morning Can Transform Your Life
A good morning routine is very important for a successful day, a morning routine can affect your motivation and productivity. Including yoga as a part of your morning routine helps to set the right intentions for your body and mind. It aligns your biological clock with nature.
Benefits Of Practising Morning Yoga
- Yoga asanas can help muscles and joints loosen up and remove stiffness.
- Release stress and anxiety of the previous day
- Yoga asanas in the morning is a great way to start your day with self-care and release happy hormones.
- Doing asanas on empty stomach increases the body’s metabolism.
- Yoga asanas in the morning help the digestive system releases waste products.
5 Morning Yoga For Beginners To Kickstart Your Day
1. Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
2. Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose)
3. Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
4. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
5. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)
Dos And Don’ts Of Morning Yoga
Dos
- Practice asanas early in the morning, it is preferable to take bath or at least take a half bath to awaken your senses.
- Try to maintain an empty stomach condition to perform yoga in the morning, water or lemon water can be consumed.
- Sushma Vyam (warmup) before starting asanas.
- Use a yoga mat or blanket to do your postures on a levelled floor.
- Yoga must be done in a calm and cool environment.
- Relax in shavasan after finishing your asanas for about 5 -10 minutes.
Tip: Kombucha contains naturally occurring caffeine that’s great for low-impact sessions. Buy it now at the Red Dot Shop here.
Dont’s
- Avoid strenuous exercises after performing your yoga asanas.
- Avoid eating or drinking during yoga asanas, in case you get thirsty, take a sip of water.
- Avoid doing yoga in a hurried environment.
- Women must not stress themselves for yoga asanas during the menstrual cycle.
- Avoid yoga during illness.