Is there any best time to do yoga? When is the perfect time of the day to do yoga? The truth is, thankfully, not! While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time for yoga varies based on the individual’s schedule, lifestyle, and preferences; it is also essential to note that some poses are energizing, while others are calming. Thus we have to first understand the nature of the poses in order to make informed decisions as to when to practice them. As a rule of thumb, never practice yoga directly after food (the only pose you can practice then is Virasana, which helps with digestion) – always wait at least an hour after food before starting your practice.
General weather climate and seasons also play a big role in shaping how one would choose to design their practice. During hot temperatures, be careful to avoid overexertion – that means it would be good to practice more slowly, with not too many challenging poses. If you still want to have a fast-paced, challenging practice, be sure to balance it with lots of cooling down poses and pranayama at the end.
In colder climates, or during the winter, you may want to have a more active practice to improve blood circulation and generate heat throughout the body, and more backbend and hip opening poses to avoid seasonal depression which comes with the shorter days and longer nights of winter.
There is a saying in ancient text , which says that Yoga should be done according to “Kala (Time), Des (Hour), Paristhiti (Environment) ”
So let’s have a look at different times to do yoga and what can you include :
Morning Yoga
Many yogis believe that the best time for yoga is in the morning, as it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Morning yoga can help energize the body and mind, boost metabolism, and improve focus and productivity. Additionally, practicing yoga in the morning can help establish a consistent routine, which can be beneficial for overall health and wellness.
Some great poses for morning yoga include:
- Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar): This series of poses is a great way to warm up the body and get the blood flowing.
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): An energizing pose, great for waking up the body and elevating the mental and emotional layers.
- Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana 2): A grounding pose which helps strengthen the legs and core, opens the chest and shoulders, while improving balance and focus.
Afternoon Yoga
Afternoon yoga can be a great way to recharge and focus. It can help relieve stress and tension from a long day, while also providing an opportunity to stretch and move the body.
Some great poses for afternoon yoga include:
- Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): This balancing pose helps improve focus and concentration, while also strengthening the legs and core.
- Child’s Pose (Balasana): A great pose to release tension in the back and shoulders, opening the chest and hips while lengthening the side body, and promoting relaxation and calmness.
- Camel Pose (Ustrasana): This backbend helps open up the chest and heart space, while improving posture and breathing.
Evening Yoga
Practicing yoga in the evening is a great way to wind down and prepare the body and mind for sleep. Evening yoga can help release the tensions and stresses of the day, while encouraging relaxation.
Some great poses for evening yoga include:
- Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana): This pose helps release tightness in the hamstrings and lower back, a common modern day issue especially when sitting whole day at a desk.
- Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani): A great way to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling in the legs and feet, and calming the nervous system.
- Corpse Pose (Savasana): The ultimate relaxation pose! This pose allows the body and mind to fully relax and soften.
So, the best time to do yoga is ultimately up to you & your unique individual needs and preferences. Whether you prefer morning, afternoon or evening yoga, there are poses and practices that can benefit you at any time of the day. By incorporating yoga into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and wellness, while also cultivating a deeper connection to your body and mind. Listen to your body and trust your inner instinct, they will tell you when to do yoga!
If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of yoga, take a look at our 200-hour yoga teacher training program in Bali. Don’t miss out!
