7-Step Yoga Practice To Brighten Your Morning Routine

Yoga is more than just poses. It’s about living mindfully while finding peace, balance, and awareness throughout your day. Use thie 7-step plan to introduce yoga into every aspect of your morning routine.

1. Wake up with meditation.

Each morning I wake up, walk to my closet, and close the door behind me. Why do I lock myself in the closet? In an effort to cleanse my mind through morning meditation. Elevate your seat on a pillow so that your hips are above your knees, sit cross-legged, and close your eyes. Set an alarm for 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how long you want to meditate. Listen to your breath as it enters and leaves your body. If your mind wanders, go back to listening to your breath.

2. Find gratitude.

Gratitude is an important aspect of any yoga practice. Being thankful and content is the best way to find peace in the moment and in your life. It teaches you not to worry about what you don’t have, but focus on what you do have. Each morning after my meditation session, I find gratitude in the aspects of my life for which I am thankful.

3. Sun Salutations.

Start your morning routine by saluting the sun. Start with 5 to 10 sun salutations.

4. Chanting

Chanting a mantra is believed to cleanse the vocal cords so you don’t say things you don’t mean. Chanting uses the power of words to find compassion and peace. Here’s a great chant to start with:

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, which means:

May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.

5. Drink lemon water.

This is actually part of Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga. Starting your morning routine with lemon water cleanses your gastro-intestinal tract and kidneys, and revs up your metabolism.

6. Yoga breaks 

After your morning routine, take yoga breaks throughout the day. If you’re feeling lethargic, throw in a headstand or if you need to relax, add in 15 minutes of seated stretches. Whatever pose you choose, it’s a great way to bring yourself back into the moment.

7. Sunset meditation

As you move from the work day into the evening, the transition is made easier with yoga and meditation. Take 5 to 10 minutes to close your eyes and follow your breath.

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7 Yoga Poses for Relaxation
Yoga On The Cheap

Image: jeanwichinoski

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