In a Nutshell: The best time to practice yoga is typically in the morning for energizing the body and focusing the mind, or in the evening for stress relief and promoting better sleep.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Practicing yoga in the morning can invigorate and sharpen focus for the day, while evening sessions help unwind and improve sleep.
- The decision to practice yoga in the morning or evening should be based on personal habits and needs; mornings for a revitalizing start, evenings for decompression.
- Tailoring yoga practice to individual schedules is crucial, allowing for adjustments in session length and intensity to match daily energy fluctuations and time constraints.
Choosing the Right Yoga Session Time
“Yoga isn’t just a practice; it’s a journey that aligns with the rhythm of your day,” begins Sherrell Moore Tucker, a holistic wellness educator and founder of MindBody Faith.
In her exploration of the optimal timing for yoga, Tucker delves into how personal schedules and intrinsic habits influence the effectiveness of this ancient practice.
Morning or Evening: Customizing Your Yoga Experience
Energizing Mornings with Yoga
For those who greet the dawn with enthusiasm, Tucker recommends morning yoga. “Morning yoga typically works for people that are early risers,” she explains. This time is ideal for energizing the mind and body, building focus for the day ahead.
“If you are an early riser and your schedule is pretty predictable… morning yoga is going to be your jam,” Tucker states, emphasizing its suitability for those with a structured morning routine.
Unwinding Evenings with Yoga
On the other hand, evening yoga resonates with those needing to decompress after a long day. “Yoga in the evening may be something you want to add to your schedule,” Tucker suggests, highlighting its stress-relieving benefits.
Evening sessions provide the opportunity to relax and prepare for a restful night. “If you need to wind down after work for better quality sleep, an evening practice may be a better option for you,” she adds.
Individualizing Your Yoga Journey
The core of Tucker’s message is the importance of personalizing your yoga practice. “It’s not a good idea to force yourself into any activity if you are truly not yourself at 9 AM,” she cautions.
Rushing through a morning practice can produce negative results, whereas an evening session might yield more positive outcomes for night owls.
Balanced Approach for Consistency
Tucker shares her routine as an example of a balanced approach. “I do 10 minutes in the morning and then a longer 20-30 minute practice at night,” she reveals.
This dual approach allows her to maintain consistency while adapting to her body’s needs at different times.
Conclusion: Flexibility Is Key to Yoga
In summarizing the best time to practice yoga, the message is clear: listen to your body and align your practice with your natural inclinations and daily routine.
“Whether it’s morning or evening, or maybe even afternoon, the best time is the time that resonates with you,” Sherrell Moore Tucker concludes. By choosing a time that complements your lifestyle, yoga becomes a seamless and enriching part of your daily rhythm.
