How Do I Know When is the Best Time for Me to Practice Yoga?
Do you have trouble finding time to practice yoga?
Even as an instructor, sometimes I find myself unmotivated to practice everyday. In this video, we discuss what to do if you can’t find the time to incorporate yoga into your life as well as the best time for you to practice!
Now, I know what you’re thinking… “When actually is the best time to practice yoga or the Sun Salutations sequence?”
The best time really does depends. I can tell you that the worst time would be on a full stomach (after a large meal). Traditionally, the best time would be first thing in the morning as the sun is rising, on an empty stomach. However, for many of us, this is can be an unrealistic goal.
For example, some of my students love to practice first thing in the morning because it helps set them up for their day and it’s the only time they know they can make it because of work and other obligations. Others like to practice around mid-day as a break from meetings and work. Some would rather practice in the evening because they are sedentary and/or busy all day and want to stretch out and move their bodies, and others like to practice right before bed so it helps them get a really good night’s sleep!
And sometimes preferences will change- you may try practicing at a different time and find that it is more beneficial for you! Try practicing a few different times of day and see which you like best, is most realistic for a consistent practice and makes you feel good!
Now, let’s find a way to help you incorporate yoga into your life. Remember, it’s not about finding time, it’s about making time! Here are a few ideas:
This may seem obvious, but just START. What I mean by this is that our minds can find a million reasons and excuses NOT to do something. What I’m suggesting, is when the thought of practicing comes up- DON’T think, just DO. Don’t allow your mind time to come up with excuses and stop you from practicing!
Don’t focus solely on the postures, try yoga in the form of pranayama (breathing) or meditation! Pranayama is best practiced on an empty stomach, but Meditation can be practiced at ANY time. Tip 1 is perfect for incorporating meditation- don’t think, just do!
Schedule an appointment. Just as you would the dentist or a meeting, schedule a time (and put it into your calendar) that you will practice yoga. Bonus if you set a reminder notification so that you can make sure you’re prepared! How often you choose to set this appointment is up to you, but again, just make sure you set realistic expectations upon yourself.
Set an alarm or a reminder notification. When the alarm goes off, or reminder comes up, put down what you are doing and practice 5 minutes of yoga- whether it be asana (postures), pranayama or meditation!
Prep your clothes and/or your mat. If you are looking to practice first thing in the morning or after work, being prepared will help to ensure you follow through! Set your clothes aside the night before and you can also roll out your mat if you’re practicing at home.
Attend guided classes either in a group or private one-on-one setting where there is a set time and place you will be practicing and the instructor waiting for you. Having a time booked will help you stick to a schedule. Being part of a group will keep you accountable. Bonus if you practice with a friend (or two)!
Now that you have discovered some ways to make time to practice yoga AND you have a short sequence to practice, all you have to do is choose a time of day that works best for you!
Happy Practicing!