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Morning Yoga Routines to Kickstart Your Day

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding a moment of peace and tranquillity can feel like an uphill battle. However, a morning yoga routine can provide a serene start to your day, setting the tone for productivity, focus, and overall well-being. Integrating yoga into your morning ritual helps in cultivating mindfulness and physical flexibility while energising both body and mind. Here are a few routines you can incorporate into your mornings to help you kickstart your day.

The Sun Salutation Sequence

One of the simplest and most effective ways to bring yoga into your morning routine is through the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar). This dynamic series of poses warms up the body and promotes blood circulation, stimulating energy levels.

How to Perform:

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with your feet together, arms at your sides. Ground yourself and take a few deep breaths.

2. Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana): Inhale deeply and raise your arms overhead, stretching your body.

3. Forward Fold (Uttanasana): Exhale as you bend forward, bringing your hands to the ground. Allow your head to hang heavy.

4. Halfway Lift (Ardha Uttanasana): Inhale and lift your torso halfway, keeping your back flat and your hands on your shins.

5. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Exhale and step back into this pose, forming an inverted ‘V’ with your body. Press your heels toward the ground and relax your neck.

6. Plank Pose: Shift your body forward into a straight line from head to heels.

7. Chaturanga Dandasana: Lower your body halfway while keeping your elbows close to your sides.

8. Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana): Inhale, pressing into your hands to lift your chest and thighs off the mat.

9. Return to Downward Facing Dog: Exhale and return to the inverted ‘V’ position.

10. Repeat: Aim to complete 5 cycles of this sequence, linking your breath with each movement.

The Gentle Stretch Routine

If you prefer a more gentle start to your day, consider a restorative yoga routine focusing on stretching and relaxing the body.

How to Perform:

1. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Start on all fours and alternate between arching your back (Cat) and lifting your head/tailbone (Cow) while synchronising your breath.

2. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Sit with your legs extended in front of you, inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale as you fold forward, taking hold of your feet or shins.

3. Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana): With one leg extended and the other bent, twist your torso towards the bent knee. This helps to awaken the spine and stimulate digestion.

4. Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani): Lie down on your back, scoot towards a wall, and then raise your legs up the wall. This pose is excellent for relaxation and circulation.

5. Corpse Pose (Savasana): End your routine in this restful pose, allowing your body to absorb the benefits of your practice. Focus on your breath for a few minutes.

The Energising Flow

For those who seek a more dynamic routine to kickstart their energy levels, an energising flow may be the way to go.

How to Perform:

1. Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): Stand, step back with one foot, and bend your front knee while raising your arms overhead.

2. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Open your arms to the sides and turn your head to gaze over your front hand.

3. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): Straighten your front leg and reach forward, then lower your hand to your shin and extend your top arm up.

4. Chair Pose (Utkatasana): Stand and bend your knees as if sitting back into a chair, while lifting your arms.

5. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips, forming a bridge with your body.

6. Finish with Child’s Pose (Balasana): A perfect pose to relax and absorb the prior routine, resting your forehead on the mat with arms extended in front.

Conclusion

Incorporating yoga into your morning routine can significantly impact your day. Whether you prefer a quick Sun Salutation to energise yourself or a gentle stretch to ease into the day, finding the right routine is essential. As you make yoga a part of your mornings, you may discover increased clarity, reduced stress levels, and enhanced physical well-being. So roll out your mat, breathe deeply, and savour the peaceful moments before embracing the day ahead. Namaste.

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