Best Time to do Yoga: Is Morning Yoga Really Effective?

Yoga, an ancient practice with modern relevance, along with meditation, is known for its profound benefits not only on the body but also on mind. With International Yoga Day recently around the corner, there are a lot of people who’ve recently started doing yoga.

But what’s one of the most asked questions that often arises: "What is the right time to do yoga?" The answer isn't one-size-fits-all; it depends on various factors, including personal preference, lifestyle, and specific health goals. This comprehensive guide will delve into the optimal times for yoga practice and how to align your yoga routine with your body's natural rhythms to maximize benefits.

The Importance of Timing in Yoga

When it comes to yoga, timing can play a significant role in the effectiveness of your practice. The beauty of yoga is its flexibility - not just in the physical sense, but also in how it can be incorporated into your daily routine. The timing of your yoga practice can influence everything from your mental clarity to your metabolic function.

Also read: Beginner's guide: 10 best yoga poses and exercises

Yoga Before Sunrise: A Fresh Start

Practicing yoga before sunrise, often referred to as Brahma Muhurta in yogic traditions, is considered highly beneficial. This time, usually around 4 to 6 AM, is when the environment is calm, quiet, and free from distractions. Practicing yoga before sunrise boosts your mood and increases energy level, making it the best way to start your day. It's a time when your mind is at its clearest, making it ideal for meditation and introspective yoga practices.

Advantages:

1. The quiet and peaceful environment enhances focus and mindfulness.

2. It aligns with the natural circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep and overall health.

3. It sets a positive and calm tone for the day ahead.

Disadvantages:

1. It might be challenging for those who are not early risers.

2. The body might feel stiff due to the long period of rest.

Yoga in the Morning: A Fresh Start

It’s a time when the world is just waking up and the mind is clear and fresh. Many yoga traditions, including the Ashtanga system, advocate for morning yoga practice,  and if you're aiming for weight loss, morning yoga can be especially beneficial as it kick starts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.

Advantages:

1. Energizes the body and mind, providing an energy boost for the day.

2. Sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

3. Can aid in weight loss by jumpstarting your metabolism.

Disadvantages:

1. Body stiffness can make certain poses challenging.

2. Time constraints for those with a busy morning schedule.

Yoga in the Afternoon: A Mid-Day Reset

Practicing yoga in the afternoon can serve as a great mid-day reset. It can help you release the tension accumulated during the morning and also work up an appetite for your next meal. Your muscles may be more warmed up later in the day compared to first thing in the morning, which can make it easier to work on improving your flexibility.

Advantages:

1. Serves as a stress-reliever in the middle of a busy day.

2. The body is usually well awake and warmed up, potentially leading to better performance in your poses.

Disadvantages:

1. It might be hard to fit into a busy schedule.

2. Digestive processes might interfere with your practice if you've had a meal.

Yoga in the Evening: Unwind and Relax

In the evening, meditation can be a great way to wind down after a busy day. It can help relieve stress and tension, preparing your body and mind for a restful sleep. Depending on how your day went, you might feel too tired to practice yoga in the evening.

Advantages:

1. Helps relieve stress and tension.

2. Prepares the body and mind for a restful sleep.

3. Enhances flexibility as the body is generally warmer and more flexible in the evening.

Disadvantages:

1. Energy levels might be low, making it challenging to practice.

2. Vigorous yoga practices in the evening might disrupt sleep.

What is the best time to do yoga?

Every time slot for yoga practice brings its unique set of benefits and challenges, which should be carefully evaluated when deciding the best time for your yoga routine. So, just like meditation, the best time to do yoga is the one that works for you. The morning offers a serene environment to connect with yourself before the day's hustle begins, but waking up early for a yoga session might be a hurdle for some. Evening yoga can fill you with more energy and allow for more demanding poses, but an intense session might interfere with your sleep cycle.

It's crucial to balance the advantages and disadvantages of practicing yoga in the morning or evening and decide which one aligns best with your lifestyle. Ultimately, the optimal time for yoga is a personal choice, dictated by your lifestyle and convenience.

Also read: Meditation vs yoga: Which practice suits you the best?

Start Yoga with Level Supermind

If you’re a beginner and looking for a sense of direction to get started with Yoga, you don’t need to go anywhere else. And it’s not just for beginners, if you belong to the intermediate or advanced level, there are 7 day series for all of them.

Yoga series- Beginners: This 7 day series includes asanas for balance, quick recharge, flexibility, for stronger back and stretches along with traditional suryanamaskar.

Meditation series- Beginners: Begin your meditation journey in 7+ languages to increase your mind potential by enhancing focus, memory, creativity and clarity of thoughts.

Also read: How to do meditation for overthinkers

FAQs on Yoga for Beginners

1. Is it better to do yoga in the morning or evening?

As discussed earlier, both morning and evening yoga have their unique benefits. Morning yoga can help energize you for the day ahead, while evening yoga can help you relax and unwind. The best time for yoga ultimately depends on your personal preference and lifestyle.

2. When should you not do yoga?

It's generally not recommended to practice yoga immediately after a heavy meal or when you're feeling ill. Also, certain medical conditions may require modifications or the avoidance of certain poses, so it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.

3. Should yoga be done on an empty stomach?

It's usually recommended to practice yoga on an empty stomach or at least two to three hours after a meal. This can help prevent discomfort during poses that involve twisting, bending, or inversions.

4. How long should a yoga session be?

The length of a yoga session can vary depending on your schedule and fitness level. However, even a short daily practice can be beneficial. For beginners, starting with 15-20 minutes a day can be a good start, gradually increasing the duration as your flexibility and endurance improve.