There's something to be said about having a morning routine. We keep hearing how important it is to start your day on the right foot, with a calming routine that will lead us into a much less "stressed-out" day. We won't be waking up with an alarm blaring, telling us we have 5 minutes to jump out of bed, throw on clothes, maybe have time to grab a "breakfast", and get in the car so we won't be late for work, school, etc. Just the thought of waking up to that routine everyday makes me shiver. I have a pat-down morning routine that I won't be changing anytime soon. However, over the last year, I have adapted that routine to where I no longer practice yoga later in the day, but very early, in the morning.
I'll tell you right now, I don't (and never have) practiced yoga everyday. But the days of the week that I do practice (which are always the same), I have switched the time which I got on my mat, from the afternoon, to the wee hours of the morning while the sun is still just rising. I incorporated it into my morning routine. But this post isn't about creating a morning routine, it's about something I've started to notice and become tuned in on with my practice recently.
When I used to practice later in the day, I would always feel so "done" with the day already or that my energy was already used up from the day. My mind and body were not as connected as they could be, too much had happened already and I wasn't allowing myself to fully be absorbed into my practice. However, with a morning practice, that's changed and I'm only just realizing how beneficial that change was.
In the morning, my energy is just waiting to awaken and burst from the mind, body, and spirit after a well-rested sleep. It wants to be used in such a way that it gets to heal, nourish, and enrich the spirit of meΒ before it gets used for anything else. I can give my whole mind, body, and spirit to the practice and feel this great sense of awe, renewal, and awakening when I'm finished. My strong vinyasa flows feel so good, so natural on my unused muscles as they slowly awaken for the day. The only place my energy has to go, is to my muscles, my mind, and to creating an aura of peace within and outside of my body.
Another thing I've noticed about practicing at this time, is my eyes. They remain closed for most of my practice. Sleep-yoga? No, I am fully present, yet it's dark, the world is asleep and there is no need to clutter my vision or mind with outside stimulation from light, colors, or movement. I can simply feel and be within my practice wholeheartedly. When I do open my eyes, I feel even more rested, like just then I've awoken from sleep. During these early morning hours when I practice, there is nothing else going on, nothing else has happened yet, there is still peace and great stability.
When my practice (my physical practice) is complete for the day, and I open my eyes as I lay on my mat in savasana, I feel as though I have truly awakened to the world. Yes, I awoke from sleep before my practice, but now I have fully allowed myself to awaken to the world, the good vibes of the day, the clarity and untapped possibility waiting for me. My physical yoga practice has become exactly what I've always wanted it to be. A perfect cultivation of awakening and peace.
I start my day at my favorite time of day, with something so dear and precious to me. My muscles get awakened by something so beautiful and comfortable to me, my mind gets to slowly open and isn't crammed with the events of the day, my eyes can rest and open to the world when they are ready. My spirit is fully nurtured by my practice and feels safe, fully aware of the only thing that matters to it, me. My practice, my yoga, is now my awakening. Mind, body, and spirit.
So tell me:
+ When do you practice your asana? Have you ever tried it at a different time to see if you might benefit more form it?
+ Do you have morning routine? Some rituals you always do? It makes a world of difference to your day!
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Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty
I just recently read another post about doing some yoga poses IN bed, before getting up - stretching and child's pose. I was considering that for myself. I really should get back into yoga, I could definitely use the de-stress.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yea, not the type of yoga I'm talking about here π
casey
I think I'm going to do some yoga in a minute before bed! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Nice!
talent hounds
I love sunrise yoga! It's a great way to start the day π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Always a feel good thing!
Alexandra @ Real Simple Finances
This sounds so lovely! I haven't practiced yoga in a long time, but really want to resume both for my body and for my mind when I begin teaching again in the fall. It's a wonderful way to wake up.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes,, it's beautiful to connect with the body first and foremost!
Jennifer
Great insight about practicing yoga in the morning. I posted earlier this week about my new morning routine, and it's changed my life. I only recently (within the last month) tried yoga, and I'm loving it. I start my morning with yoga most days. Some days I only have time for 10 minutes until the kids need me, but it makes me feel great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's so wonderful to hear Jennifer! Keep it up!
Jessica
Thank you for sharing your routine with us and your reasoning, I love to see why others do what they do and it always gives me something new that I can implement in my routines and rituals. I tend to work out after work, but I always (every day) do my stretches in the morning, but generally just before leaving for work, not when I get out of bed which is very early as well. I find that I am too stiff first thing and I get more benefit of waiting until my body has warmed up a bit on its own. But I have always loved the idea of yoga first thing before the sun rises...so good for you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Jessica for your lovely comment! I do my own warm-up/handstand practice before I start into the stretchy yoga poses and then finally my actual asana flow. It's a nice movable transition for the body to get the blood going before I have to go all out in the complete practice! But I do love it and hope my schedule will continue to allow me to keep it this way! xoxo
Hil
I like to do my yoga first thing in the morning too. The awesome morning breeze really sets the mood. Unfortunately with 2 little ones I rarely have the time (or ability since both want to be held) to do yoga, I used to do it daily and I really miss it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well any chance you get!
Melissa @ vegan doesitm
I prefer to work out in the mornings too, although not nearly as early as you. With our crazy schedule around here, I' ve had to learn to take it where I can get it! So, more often I work out in the evenings.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
As long as we get that flow in sometime! But when we can do it with the sun, it's just that much better!
Beth
I'm not a morning person, but I find my days go much better when I get in some physical activity first thing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right when I step out of bed I start moving!
Steph
Mornings and I have never been friends....maybe this would make a difference. Most recently, we've been using some kid-focused yoga videos at the end of the day to help us wind down. For me, and seemingly for my toddler and pre schooler, it's been a fun way to release ourselves from the craziness of our day and get ready for snuggles and bed. Perhaps an extra morning practice for myself would help change my view of sunrise. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What a great way to connect with the kiddos too!
Jess @hellotofit
I prefer to workout early in the morning/late morning, but I tend to feel better doing yoga around noon - it's like a little pick-me-up! Loved reading about your discoveries π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's how I used to be. I liked workouts later, yoga and otherwise, but now, total opposite!
Kristy as Giftie Etcetera
I always noticed that my gym does yoga classes first thing in the morning. It drives me crazy because I do better in a class, but I can't go to the gym until mid-morning. That said, this at least explains the scheduling!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They have no night classes?
Kristy as Giftie Etcetera
Not yoga. It's at the Y, though the instructors from the local yoga schools teach it! There are other night classes, but not yoga specifically.
Channing
Kundalini Yogis practice yoga in the morning - early enough that they finish before the sunrise! They say it helps them focus and bring their coming day into balance, and if they skip yoga that day, they notice the difference. As a busy mom, I fit my practice in where I can, but I prefer the early morning for the same reasons. But yoga is yoga, no matter the time!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There is just magic that happens when you can do it early!
casey
I am a certified yoga instructor, though I haven't taught since my oldest was born. I remember the morning practices feeling the best and setting me up for a wonderful day, though I was a little stiff. Evening practices are good because you're all warmed up, though may be tired from the day. And, every practice is different. It's important to just do! This is a great post!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What feels right in your body is right for you! Thanks Casey!
sue
I love any type of exercise in the morning as it makes me feel alive. I love to practice yoga in the morning and it sets you up for a great day.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's exactly what I think!
Farrah
I don't do yoga thattt often, but I'm with you there! I feel like morning is the best time for it! :]
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Morning is the best for everything in my opinion π
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy
So true that at a certain point, the day's energy is just depleted! I've never been able to work out at night, no matter how relaxing or energizing a workout is supposed to be. Morning yoga sounds delightful. Hope I can make it work for me too sometime in the future!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I say night time is for relaxing and not doing strenuous things anyway!
Cynthia @craftoflaughter
I am struggling to become a morning person after years of working night shift!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Maybe you're just not meant to be!
The Vegan 8
I'm not the norm I guess because I have absolutely zero interest in working out in the mornings. I am a night owl big time and I actually prefer doing my exercise, whether it be weights, yoga or biking, at night or even mid afternoon. I have always read to do your exercise during the time of day that you have the most energy so that you have the most productive workout, and I completely agree with that. I have tried to work out in the mornings before and I just hate it, haha!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yea totally! I used to be a night exerciser! Weights, yoga, everything, but over the years, I've liked it earlier and earlier!
Leah M @ love me, feed me
I usually do my yoga in the morning a couple hours after breakfast, but you're making me want to try it earlier! Doing yoga while the sun comes up sounds absolutely blissful. I recently switched up my morning routine and I've been loving it. I've started leaving my curtains open and waking up with the sun shining on me, I chug a bunch of water, make some peppermint tea, and read for a bit usually outside. Then I get really hungry and make breakfast haha! Mornings are my favourites and I hate being in a rush so when I do have to be up to be somewhere early I always get up like 2 hours beforehand so I can relax.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Omg! You sound exactly like me! I wake up at 4am π Haha! But I wouldn't change that! I love all that time before anyone is awake, the peace and beautiful of the still morning. So much opportunity to do so many things! Including yoga!
HIllary
I attend bikram yoga in the mornings 3 days a week. I can't imagine going any other type of day now. It's really when I'm most in sync and IN the class.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! It feels so RIGHT!
Casey @ Casey the College Celiac
Ever since I strained a shoulder muscle a few weeks ago, I've started doing a short bout of yoga about an hour before bed. It's always been something I've wanted to do, but never took the time to actually try. Although some nights I'm more "into" it than others, I love ending my day with yoga! The perfect way to relax and stretch my muscles before bed. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sounds good Casey!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Whether it's running or yoga, early morning is the best time for me for all of the same reasons! It's a great transition from sleep to waking for mind and body.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! I don't want it any other way!
Liz
I love yoga but don't do it nearly enough!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hear that to often on this blog!
Megan @ Skinny Fitlaicious
I'm not a yoga person, but I can certainly relate to this. I used to be a runner, but a cycle of injuries caused me to stop last year (BTW they discovered I'm gluten sensitive causing me to not absorb nutrients for years). Through my injuries I discovered I'm a swimmer and not thought I would feel the same way about swimming as running. While I feel different about swimming, it's similar to what you describe in your yoga. There's just something peaceful about the water and being alone in your mind while you're body is moving first thing every morning.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Any time we can connect with the body before we do anything else that day, is the best!
Daria
I haven't practiced yoga in awhile but when I was, it was in the afternoon and you are right, I was so tired it was hard to concentrate. What I have found to be great for me is doing my sit-ups in the morning before I get ready for work. I have more energy and do more sets versus me trying to do them before bed and being exhausted. Thanks for sharing...
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Always workout in the morning for me! Yoga or otherwise!
Harriet Emily
I totally agree with you Rebecca! I love doing yoga just after waking up in the morning π I feel so much more prepared for the day ahead when I do it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, exactly!
Trish
I really love morning yoga! Enjoyed reading your post.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together
Yoga at different times is so different... super early yoga is just SUPER awakening. Night yoga is more relaxing and mid morning or day yoga or evening yoga is just... work-outy. Such a good thought and post!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I guess it's all part of the big yoga'picture. The connection with mind, body, spirit, and environment!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
I am obsessed with yoga... well, actually just restorative and yin right now because those are the two that feel good to my body. I wish they had the classes in the morning, but I am only able to take them at night. Actually, that is probably a good thing because they make me super relaxed/tired π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Skip the studio! And if you only need restorative the videos online for those styles are beyond endless!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Your yoga posts are some of my favorite <3 I can sense your passion for the subject, because the words just flow so beautifully! And you know I agree with the doing it first thing in the morning part...but first thing in the morning is a totally different time on the clock for me π haha Most people wake up and stretch they're body once or twice out of reflex, so I think the body wants to stretch and move and find it's flexibility in the morning.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so so much Natalie! I always feel so good writing down my yoga thoughts! I get an idea in my head while I'm practicing and then I know I have to make a post about it!
Haha, you're morning is like my afternoon, but all is good, it's about the internal clock π I will always be a "handstands at 4am" girl π
Sarah | Well and Full
My absolute favorite time I've practiced yoga is when I vacationed on the Cape, and practiced sunrise beach yoga every morning. There is something so profound to me about rising with the sun - physically and spiritually. It was one of the most magical experiences of my life. Unfortunately, in real life I'm landlocked, and I sincerely miss my practice in the delicate morning sun, listening to the sound of the surf in alignment with my breath.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That would be beyond magical to practice with the sun ON the beach!
lauren
That sounds like an awesome way to wake up - I'm definitely going to try to start getting back into yoga again! Right now the only consistent thing in my morning routine is my morning coffee! lol
xx Lauren
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's my reward π Coffee afterwards, haha!
Jessi Haynes
Yes! I love yoga! I've always loved it in the evenings, because it feels like such a nice transition from the crush of the day to the relaxation (generally) in the evening. I also always felt like I was working out all the negativities and/or kinks of the day during my practice. I am so bad at doing anything besides showering in the morning, it's so funny how everyone is different in that regard!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I totally get it though! My practice isn't a restorative or "relaxing" practice though, so it's better to do in the morning like I do all my workouts! I just really love waking to it that way!
Jessi Haynes
Oh, mine weren't either - Rocket Yoga in the Ashtanga style is what I always used to do after work. I just loved sweating out all those negativities, haha! I think the "transition" for me was savasana. π
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
I much prefer to workout (yoga or run) in the morning because I feel so much more awake. Then again, I've always been a morning person so I look forward to waking up.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
100% couldn't agree more π
Yoojin
i've also practiced yoga at different times of days...
i noticed that in the mornings, i enjoy more gentle & slow routines to ease into the day. by the end of it, i'm so energized!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I like my strong flows in the morning! By the end of the day, I'm just to spent to give it my all!
Linda @ Veganosity
That sounds like a beautiful way to start the day, Rebecca. I really need to get back to yoga!
My morning routine is wake up at 6:00 am, let the dogs out, feed them, drink lemon water, then coffee, and sit down at the computer and start working. I think that the last thing needs to change. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Linda!
Well at least there's coffee in that routine π
Lesq
What a beautifully written, serene, peaceful and relaxing post to start my day off with. I do yoga every morning Monday through Friday. It has changed my life. I started three years ago after reading The Power of Now. For a young adult you have it altogether. Enjoy your day.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks dear!