Yoga is a combination of different elements that make life pleasing. Though principles of yoga (simplicity, non-violence and more) can be practiced every moment of the day, yoga asanas (physical practice of yoga) requires devotion of some time which is away from other tasks of your day.
Let us look into what would be a good time to do yoga asana practice everyday.
While the most preferable time to do yoga is in the morning, we cannot deny the different routines that each one of us follow. Many of us start the day with a busy schedule and adding time for yoga there isn’t going to help. When mind is preoccupied with what has to be done next, your time on the mat will end up being ineffective. It is always good to understand the priorities and work around them to make time for mat practice.
You can select from ideal hours for practice:
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Evening Yoga
Practicing yoga in the evening can be as good as morning yoga, provided you are approaching it the right way. During an evening practice, asanas that are calming and relaxing (like forward bends) should be included because you are nearing bedtime and this will help you to attain good sleep. More of cooling down asanas should be practiced along with other asanas. It should be a time after your work when you can relax and focus on yourself. Make sure to have your meal 2-3 hours before this practice. If it’s a light snack of fruits then at least 1.5 hours of gap before yoga will be alright.
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Afternoon or Lunchtime Yoga
Doing yoga in the afternoon is the best alternative to morning practice. It is also called lunchtime yoga as the midday break time for lunch is used for yoga practice and lunch is eaten after yoga. Though yoga in the afternoon hasn’t been a practice as old as yoga at dawn and dusk, it is an equally fruitful hour to practice. A complete yoga practice with different asanas (Surya Namaskar, forward bends, backbends bends) can be a part of lunchtime yoga. Afternoon yoga is a good refreshing break for the mind, helping in improved performance for rest of the day. And if your work involves spending time in front of computer or sitting for long hours then afternoon yoga helps in eliminating stiffness from the body and this also brings clarity in thoughts. Remember to keep your stomach light for the practice by having eaten 2-3 hours before doing yoga.
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Morning Yoga
If you can add morning yoga practice to your routine then you are keeping your entire day impacted with the benefits of yoga. To start the day with a balanced mind and an active body it is best suggested to practice yoga in the morning. A holistic practice which can involve every type asana, can be practiced during the morning hours. You can read more about the benefits of morning yoga here
Choosing from your workable hour for yoga asana practice, try making it a ritual by doing your yoga mat practice at the same time. This brings the body and mind attuned to the rhythm, resulting in maximum benefits.
