Have you ever wondered how Morning Yoga teachers seem to be so energetic all the time, even at the break of dawn? It could be the energizing effect of morning yoga rather than the coffee. Brett Larkin, a certified yoga instructor, says her 15-minute morning exercise may help you Centre your mind, balance your body, and give you a longer-lasting energy boost than coffee can.
The Miracle of Morning Yoga:
Health Advantages Beyond Just Waking Up
1. Bid Farewell to Stress
Yoga could be your secret weapon if you wake up anxious about the day ahead. Yoga has been shown in a 2017 meta-analysis to alleviate the physiological manifestations of worry, including raised blood pressure, heightened cortisol levels, and faster heart rate. Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode when you’re anxious, but yoga helps stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages rest and relaxation instead. This change can help you approach the day with greater equilibrium and serenity, which will enable you to approach things with clarity.
Imagine beginning each day with some focused breathing and a series of easy stretches. Your body releases stress and your mind begins to calm as you progress through each pose. This regular practice might have a cascading impact, supporting you in keeping your composure and composure throughout the day.
2. Get Over the Blues
Are you having a bad morning? Try doing a small downward dog to cheer yourself up. A 2013 study examined 619 depression-related studies and discovered a moderate body of evidence supporting yoga’s ability to elevate mood temporarily. That means doing yoga first thing in the morning could help you approach the day with a more optimistic mindset. Yoga, which combines movement and mindfulness, promotes the release of endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that can improve your mood and help you have a happier day.
The focus on mindfulness in yoga also makes you more conscious of your thoughts and emotions, which improves your ability to control them. With continued use, this technique can help you develop a resilient and upbeat mindset that will make navigating life’s ups and downs easier.
3. Control Inflammation
Not yet persuaded? It has also been demonstrated that yoga lowers inflammation in the body. According to a 2015 study, throughout a five-year period, yoga practitioners showed lower levels of inflammatory markers than non-practitioners. A healthier body has less inflammation, which can lead to an improvement in general mood. Maintaining chronic inflammation under control is essential for long-term wellness since it has been connected to a number of health problems, including as autoimmune disorders and heart disease.
Regular yoga practice lowers stress hormones and increases circulation, which assist control the body’s inflammatory response. This all-encompassing strategy fosters mental and physical health, resulting in a condition of harmony and balance.
4. Increase General Fitness
Yoga is a great way to get in a quick workout, particularly if you plan on spending the majority of the day seated. Over the course of 12 weeks, research from 2015 showed that yoga can increase muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance. Thus, yoga in the morning not only helps you wake up, but it also improves your general fitness. Unlike intense workouts that can be intimidating in the morning, yoga provides a mild yet efficient method to activate your muscles and increase blood flow.
Yoga targets different muscle groups with a variety of poses that assist improve flexibility and strength. By focusing on both strength and agility, this well-rounded approach to fitness lowers the chance of injury and improves your total physical skills.
The Energising Yoga Practice in the Morning
This yoga sequence can assist, even on those mornings when getting out of bed feels like a Herculean feat. To start your day off well, all that’s needed is a willingness to learn and a high degree of flexibility. This routine will guarantee that you begin your day feeling invigorated and renewed by combining mild exercises with focused breathing.
Yoga Sequence by Brett Larkin:
Energising 15-Minute Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Starting on your hands and knees, switch between lowering your back towards the floor (Cow) and arching it upward towards the ceiling (Cat). This sequence releases tension from your spine and opens up your energy. These poses are an excellent way to begin your routine because of the smooth transitions between them, which relieve shoulder and back stress.
Adho Mukha Svanasana, also known as Downward Dog:
While on all fours, raise your hips towards the ceiling to form an inverted V with your body. This pose energises the entire body and extends the calves, hamstrings, and shoulders. You may awaken your entire system and revitalise your muscles by holding this stance for a few breaths.
Standing, fold forward at the hips, allowing your head to dangle and your arms to reach the floor in the forward fold (Uttanasana). This pose encourages relaxation and extends the legs and back. You can feel the tension release as you take deep breaths, leaving you feeling renewed and light.
Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar):
A flowing series of positions that include Downward Dog, Forward Fold, Plank, Cobra (Bhujangasana), and Mountain Pose (Tadasana). This flow causes your body to move and your blood to start pumping. It’s a strong method to start your day because of the repetitive series of motions and breaths that produce a pleasant and energising flow.
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I):
While standing, take a step back with your front leg bent and raise your arms above your head. This pose opens your chest and strengthens your legs. Warrior I’s resolute posture inspires courage and strength, enabling you to take on the day with assurance.
In Tree Pose (Vrksasana),
place the sole of your other foot on your inner thigh or calf and balance on one leg. Posing like this enhances concentration and balance. You may develop steadiness and mindfulness by grounding yourself in Tree Pose, which you can apply to your everyday activities.
Reach forward to touch your toes while sitting in the seated forward fold (paschimottanasana). This pose helps to quiet the mind and extends the legs and back. You can reflect and make good intentions for the day by spending a few moments in this stance.
End your practice by resting on your back with your arms at your sides and your palms facing up in corpse pose, also known as savasana. Allow your body to completely relax while you close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Savasana is a period of total relaxation and integration that will help you reap the rewards of your practice and feel calm and composed as you start your day.
This sequence is available from Brett Larkin on her YouTube channel, where thousands of students practise yoga under her supervision and gain from her wonderful energy and skill. Everyone may begin a yoga practice with ease because to her welcoming teaching style and upbeat attitude, regardless of experience level.
A Fresh Start: The Durable Effects of Morning Yoga
You may achieve more than just waking up when you incorporate this 15-minute yoga routine into your morning routine. It can uplift your mood for the entire day, strengthen your body, and improve your mental state of mind. Thus, instead of pressing the snooze button the next time you get the need, try rolling out your yoga mat.
Imagine waking up feeling focused and at ease, and bringing that energy with you as you go about your everyday tasks. A holistic approach to well-being is created when the mental and emotional advantages are combined with the physical advantages, such as enhanced strength and flexibility.
You’re investing in your happiness and well-being when you incorporate morning yoga into your routine. You’ll experience gradual benefits in your resilience, energy, and general mood. You can change your mornings and, consequently, your life, with this easy habit.
