When Do You Practice Yoga?

By Taylor Borman

Morning or night – which kind of yogi are you? No matter what time of day, yoga is beneficial for the mind, body and spirit. However, there may be certain times of the day that are better for your practice depending on schedule, body and energy. Some people find a morning practice refreshing and inspiring — just what they need to start their day. Others use yoga to unwind and process a day’s passing. You may even find that you choose a different practice, depending on the day of the week.

Now, time to explore the benefits of practicing yoga in the morning and the benefits of practicing at night.

Benefits of a morning practice

• It sets a mental tone for the day. If you’re like me, you feel a lot calmer and in a better mood after yoga. Well, if you start the day with a morning practice, there’s a better chance that you will take that mindset with you throughout the day. Who doesn’t want to be happier and calmer at work? No brainer.
• Boosts metabolism. Practicing yoga in the morning warms up the digestive system and helps nutrients move through the body easier. Try working in twists to your routine to slowly wake up the belly, easing any morning aches and pain.
• Energize your body. Sun salutations are the best, wouldn’t you agree? Asana in the morning not only wakes you up but leaves you with a steady stream of energy. It can also help fight fatigue. The more flows the better.
• Get a move on. If waking up in the morning is a struggle, you seriously need to add a morning practice into your schedule. A dedicated morning flow will help boost your energy and wake up the body to help you feel happy and motivated to take on the day.

Benefits of an evening practice

• Work off tension, aches and pain. Stretching out the body at night can ease any uncomfortable aches you may experience from joint pain or injuries. Releasing muscle tension at night is the best way to get oxygenated and ensure that these pains don’t interfere with your sleep.
• Prevent mind chatter. Don’t you just hate it when you’re lying in bed, trying to fall asleep, but your mind won’t be quiet? Softening the breath and opening up the body with an evening yoga practice will help calm that chattering mind to help you sleep well at night.
• Soothe stress. Life can be complicated. We have work, chores, obligations, etc. Asana at the end of the day is a great way to wash away all of life’s stressors and just focus on yourself. Remember to keep breathing and do what feels good in your body.
• Relaxes the body and calms the mind. The relaxation effects of yoga are amazing for calming your body and mind at the end of the day. If you are practicing yoga before bed, try doing a few restorative poses and end your practice in savasana laying in your bed.