yoga for morning

An energizing morning yoga practice can work as a natural stimulant to set you up for a productive day. This back bending sequence will help warm up the body and bring you from repose to refresh. After 7-8 hours (hopefully) of shut-eye, our body responds affectionately to movement, and our mind is clear and receptive to positive ideas and messages. There are countless asanas and awesome yoga poses that all have amazing benefits. Take 10, 20, or 30 minutes every morning to practice, and you’ll start your day wide-awake and full of life.

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations)

There are several variations to this sequence of postures known as the salute to the sun. They’re traditionally practiced as the sun is rising, and whichever version of Surya Namaskar you practice, they’re a great way to warm up and start to sync movement of the body with the flow of the breath.

Child's Pose (Balasana)

From kneeling, bring your chest down onto your thighs and your forehead to the floor. Your arms lengthen by your side with your hands next to your feet; if it’s more comfortable, stack your hands underneath your forehead. Stay here for 5-10 breaths, or however long feels good for you.

 Downward Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Take the palms a little wider than shoulder width, tuck the toes and lift the hips into the air. The chest moves back toward the thighs with the head relaxed and arms straight. Roll the shoulders away from the ears, keep the knees bent and start to walk one heel down at a time. Remember: it’s more important to keep the hips high than to get the soles of the feet to the ground.

     Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

Its most commonly called Chair Pose, which kinda suggests something comfortable and relaxing. Personally, I think it’s more appropriate to use one Utkatasana’s other translations, Thunderbolt, Fierce Pose or Awkward Pose. Call it what you will, Utkatasana is an amazing way to generate heat in the body and quickly build energy. It activates the core and the legs and challenges your mind to stay present and positive, all great benefits for a morning practice.

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

From a standing position, widen your leg stance to about a leg-length. Turn the right foot out to the side, ensuring the heel is aligning with the center arch of the left foot. Take the arms parallel to the ground and reach out to the right side, keeping both legs straight with the thighs engaged. When you can’t reach any further, pivot the arms so they are in one line, moving in opposite directions. The chest remains open and the torso lengthens. If it's comfortable and you have the balance, gaze toward your top thumb.