Many people wonder when the best time to do yoga is. Some say in the morning, while others argue at night before bedtime is better. However, what works for you and your lifestyle should take precedence over any opinion.
If you have trouble getting out of bed, doing yoga might not be your best morning activity. You may find it difficult to motivate yourself and end up skipping your practice altogether. However, if you’re someone who enjoys starting their day with a yoga session, then go ahead!
Practicing yoga regularly over a longer period of time is the key to reaping all its benefits, so finding a routine that suits you and your current lifestyle is essential. Understandably, this might look different as your life changes.
Let’s say you used to go to yoga classes every evening after work, but then you had kids. Now it’s easier for you to do yoga either early in the morning before work or during the day while they’re at school. Remember, you can always switch up the days and times that you do yoga, so what’s important is finding a time slot that works for your schedule and sticking with it.
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Benefits of Doing Yoga in the Morning
Many find that practicing yoga in the morning is ideal, as your thoughts are clear and you’re less likely to be pulled away by other obligations. However, if you don’t usually wake up early, scheduling your yoga class or session for the morning hours will help make sure that you maintain consistent practice.
Aim for two daily sessions if you want to make the most of your asana practice and see a real difference in your flexibility and strength. If that’s not possible, morning is generally the best time to practice. However, even one evening session will give you a boost.
Though it may be challenging to rouse yourself early, morning yoga provides more benefits the earlier you do it. Setting your alarm for 6 a.m. will give you time to warm up and center yourself before the day’s tasks begin crowding in.
An excellent way to begin your day is with some morning yoga! Stretches and warm-ups should be done gently at first, then escalate into poses like the sun salutation. The benefit of doing this in the morning is that it will help you wake up – but not only that, standing and balancing poses can improve your concentration for the tasks ahead. In contrast, inversions and heart openers help increase energy levels. Consequently, when performed correctly,-you won’t feel drowsy or rely on coffee to get through the day!
Practicing the habit of waking up early a few days in a row will have you beating your alarm clock and enjoying each day.
Benefits of Yoga in the Afternoon
Yoga is an excellent way to relax if you’re feeling stressed out. Practicing in the afternoon can help reduce some stress before dinner. However, it’s best to wait 2-3 hours after lunch or eating so your food has time to settle properly. Since your muscles are usually pre-warmed up and more flexible later on, you may find it easier to achieve desired results if you wait until then for a yoga session focused on flexibility.
Taking a yoga class in the afternoon can do wonders for your day. If you’re feeling energetic, now is an excellent time to challenge yourself with vigorous practice. But if you need to relax and unwind at the end of your workday, try a restorative class instead.
Benefits of Yoga in the Evening
People who are pressed for time in the morning may have difficulty setting aside time for practice, whereas others who have more leisurely mornings may find no issue with doing so. For some of us, evenings offer more free time to complete a yoga practice undistracted. An evening routine is also beneficial as it can help you wind down after a long day. If this is the case for you, look into calming practices that focus on twists and forward folds, such as seated forward bend and inversions.
If you want your evening yoga session to have a calming effect, avoid invigorating backbends and heart openers such as the bow. Instead, focus on soothing surrender postures and inversions like shoulder stands that can help induce relaxation.
If you want to ease the day’s tension and insomnia, try doing some yoga at night. Not only will it help you feel more relaxed, but it can also act as a bedtime routine that refreshes your mind and body so you can fall asleep faster. Plus, if you meditate after doing yoga poses, it’ll further prepare your mind and body for deep sleep.
If you want to avoid unhealthy habits like snacking or watching TV, a regular evening yoga practice can help. It’s definitely a better idea than doing nothing at all!
The Bottom Line
No matter what time of day you do yoga, the important thing is that you maintain consistent practice. If you can only commit to three times a week, make sure you stick to that schedule. And if you find yourself frequently skipping yoga, ask yourself why. Is the time of day you’re practicing not convenient? Are you too tired? If so, try changing up your routine.
Yoga is beneficial at any time of day, but the best time to do yoga is when it fits into your schedule. If you’re pressed for time, try doing some yoga in the evening. If you want to relax, try a restorative class in the afternoon. And if you want to wake up and energize yourself, try doing some morning yoga!