October 6, 2023

What is the best time to do yoga? Morning, afternoon, evening?

A question that often arises in yoga is "when is the best time to practice yoga?" Should it be first thing in the morning? Before going to bed?

The answer is: There is no specific time when every person should practice yoga. Everyone has different schedules, rhythms and preferences, so it is important to try different things and figure out what works best for you and your body, mind and spirit. The practice of yoga is a personal and unique experience.

Yoga as a practice includes many things, physical asanas (postures), meditation and pranayama (breath work).

These practices can be combined into a single yoga session or they can be spread throughout the day and practiced at different times. For example, one could practice meditation and pranayama in the morning and then the physical practice of asanas in the afternoon/early evening. But there is no right or wrong time to practice it is only important to find your own rhythm and balance.

yoga a pausa pranzo

What are the benefits of yoga in the morning?

A morning yoga practice can be really energizing and help us get through the day. It can boost our metabolism, our mood and our connection with ourselves. Ashtanga yogis often like to practice in the morning before the sun rises, and a sunrise meditation can be a beautiful way to greet the day.

However, it is not necessarily recommended to do a strenuous practice during the first 30 minutes after waking up, as our spinal discs are still in a state of rest.

As you may have noticed, the same asanas tried in the morning or in the afternoon have different success since we usually feel much stiffer in the morning than during the rest of the day.

But there is a reason why we call it Sun Salutation. Sun Salutation was originally conceived as a morning/afternoon practice to help us energize and harness solar energy. Morning practices are often dynamic Vinyasa classes to wake us up and prepare us for the day ahead. If you are an early riser and love physical movement in the morning, then a yoga practice might be ideal to help you start your day!

What are the benefits of practicing yoga in the afternoon?

One of the benefits of an afternoon practice is that we are more awake and consequently our muscles and joints are more warmed up. Often some asanas are easier to perform in the afternoon than in the early morning.

It is always best to leave some time after meals before practicing, to allow our bodies to start digesting. It is recommended to leave at least an hour after meals before practicing yoga. Therefore, taking this into account could affect when you choose to practice yoga. Find what is best for you and your daily routine.

Work stress, lack of energy, and mental fatigue can combine to make the afternoon a difficult time to get through. Practicing a series of asanas in the afternoon can be a great motivator to get through the rest of the day.

yoga nel pomeriggio sukasana

Afternoon yoga is a great way to break up the day, promote circulation and reduce stress. Afternoon yoga is a great way to get in touch with the breath and let go of negative thoughts, worries or anxiety. Afternoon yoga is a great way to stay focused and relaxed throughout the day and return to work with greater productivity.

If you are short on time, you can also take advantage of your lunch break. Spend a few minutes practicing some simple yoga asanas at your desk as well; it is an effective way to reduce stress and increase energy.

What are the benefits of evening yoga practice?

At the end of the day, many people experience a sense of restlessness or discomfort that can make it difficult to rest at night. An evening yoga practice can help relax after a long day and prepare the body for a good night's sleep. An evening practice also helps relax tight muscles and realign the spine after a day spent sitting in a chair or standing at a desk. Evening yoga can be a great way to kick-start a new life to begin the evening routine and to allow a calmer, more focused approach to the next day.

The evening can be a truly wonderful time to practice. Evening yoga can help us unplug after a busy day and allows us to rest and relax, preparing our bodies for sleep and digestion. It is also a great way to relax and stretch the body after sitting in the office all day.

yoga serale savasana

When practicing yoga right before bedtime, a more relaxing style of yoga is recommended. Some styles of yoga can be very energizing and uplifting, which can make us feel awake and alert and thus make it harder to fall asleep. A relaxing yoga or meditation session by candlelight is ideal after a long day. Evening is also the perfect time to create a cozy atmosphere.