The ancient sages as well as modern yogis will tell you that early in the morning is one of the best times to perform yoga. However for many of us with busy schedules there are many other things that need our attention in the morning, making it difficult to devote much time to yoga that early in the day. So what is the solution? A short routine of wakeup yoga can help you get the benefits without having to devote too much time to this. Here are some of the benefits of wakeup yoga and some suggestions for the aasans to include in your wakeup yoga routine.
Why you should perform wakeup yoga
This is one of the best starts you can give to your day. Yoga will help to awaken you fully and invigorate you for the day ahead. You may find that you don’t need that morning shot of caffeine or whatever beverage you ‘need’; yoga may do the job of really stimulating you. Those ten minutes will help to relax you and lift your spirits. A short workout early in the morning also helps kick start the metabolism so that you feel energetic and able to face the hurly burly of the day ahead. The workout helps keep the body supple, aids digestion and keeps the spine healthy.
That short morning yoga session can be some precious me-time that you make for yourself before a thousand other things claim your attention. This can be the time when you concentrate on yourself, when you take the time for a little self-care. It can be a calming and meditative time particularly if you do this early in the morning. The discipline of making time for this bit of self-care will help to increase that sense of wellbeing and also self-worth. This can also be a time for thinking positive thoughts and reciting affirmations to yourself.
How to do wakeup yoga
Just awaken 10 minutes before your usual time so that you have that extra ten minutes for yoga — preferably before the rest of the household awakens. Here’s what you can do during your ten minute wakeup yoga session:
- Some experts recommend doing the 12-step Surya Namaskar six to eight times in that 10 minute slot. Those 12 steps give the body a great and comprehensive workout while stretching major muscle groups and putting the limbs through a wide range of motions.
- Do stretches such as the Chakravakasana or cat-cow pose, which help stretch the spine – very important for people who have desk jobs. Adho Mukha Svanasana or downward-facing dog is another recommended aasan that helps strengthen the limbs and increases stability. Parsva Balasana or thread-the-needle-pose followed by Balasana or child pose are other poses to add to your morning yoga routine. Follow the right breathing techniques at all times while you do these.
- It can also be advisable to add some Pranayama techniques to your 10 minute wakeup yoga for optimal oxygenation of blood, improved circulation and improved energy levels.
Find time for morning yoga – you may well find that those ten minutes of wakeup yoga offer benefits that far outweigh the time and effort involved.