Benefits of Yoga in the Morning

Yoga is a great way to start your day, providing numerous benefits for both your physical and mental health. Here are a few reasons why you should consider incorporating yoga into your morning routine:

· Increased energy: Yoga poses help to stretch and strengthen your body, increasing blood flow and oxygenation to your muscles and organs. This can leave you feeling more energized and alert throughout the day.

· Improved concentration: Practicing yoga in the morning can help to clear your mind and improve your focus, setting you up for a productive day ahead.

· Reduced stress: Yoga has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, helping you to feel more calm and centered throughout the day.

Here are a few yoga poses to get you started on your morning yoga routine:

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana):

 Stand with your feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides. Raise your shoulders up towards your ears and on an exhale, roll your shoulders back and down your spine, opening your chest and straightening your posture, lengthening your spine and taking deep breaths.

People with spinal injuries and shoulder pain should avoid this posture.

 If you have issues with your knees, stand with your feet hip-width distance apart and a slight bend in your knees. 

2. Tree Pose (Urdhva Tadasana): Stand on your left foot and place your right foot on your left thigh, pressing your foot into your thigh and balancing on your left foot. Bring your hands to your heart center and take deep breath.

3. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Swanasana)
: This pose stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine, while also strengthening the arms and shoulders. Start on your hands and knees, then lift your hips up and back, pressing your heels towards the floor.

4. Warrior I (Virabhadrasana 1): From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back and turn it outwards, keeping your right foot facing forward. Bend your right knee and lift your arms up overhead, gazing up towards your hands.

5. Cat-Cow Stretch (Bitilasana Marjariasana): Start on your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest and drawing your navel towards your spine.

6. Child's Pose (Shishuasana): From hands and knees, bring your big toes together and separate your knees wide. Lower your hips back towards your heels and stretch your arms forward, resting your forehead on the mat.

7. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your belly with your hands under your shoulders and your elbows close to your sides. Press into your hands and lift your chest off the ground, keeping your shoulders down and back.

8. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasna): Sit with your legs extended in front of you and your hands on your thighs. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and fold forward over your legs, reaching for your toes.

Remember to hold each pose for a few breaths and repeat on both sides as needed. With regular practice, you'll soon be feeling the benefits of a morning yoga routine!