Yoga is an ancient art that is believed to be compiled by the Indian sage Patanjali into Yogasutra around 2000 years ago. The word “Yoga” has been derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” that means “to unite or integrate”. In simple words, yoga is the systematic and scientific practice that integrates body, mind and soul. It works in all aspects of a person, i.e. physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual.

Yoga is being practiced all over the world these days. United Nations designated June 21 as an International Yoga Day since it has wide benefits.

Unlike other physical activities that transform the human body just from outside, yoga comes as a complete package that heals the human body from outside as well as inside. Here are a few benefits of practicing yoga daily:

• Builds muscle strength
• Improves flexibility
• Improves posture
• Improves bone health
• Helps in better blood circulation
• Controls high blood pressure
• Improves concentration
• Encourages healthy lifestyle
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Boosts the immune system
• Gives inner strength
• Tones muscles
• Helps in weight loss
• Curbs anxiety and depression
• Reduces fatigue

It has been found, in the recent studies, that practicing certain yoga poses with certain modifications helps in reducing pain and improving functionality in people with low-back chronic pain. Also, according to studies done by Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) practicing yoga twice a day can help in controlling anxiety and depression.

Why yoga in the morning is good?

Here are a few reasons why you should practice yoga first thing in the morning:

• Early morning yoga is the kick start to a peaceful and calm day – Life is pretty stressful these days. So starting the day with yoga can help you to integrate your mind with your breath for a positive start of the day. This integration helps in controlling your anxiety and stress and making you calm and focused to face the ups and downs of the day ahead.



• Improves metabolism – Practicing yoga in the morning helps in improving your digestion system that helps the body in burning more calories in a day. Also, more nutrients are supplied to the body throughout the day.



• Regulating sleep schedule – As you follow the daily regime of waking up early, your body gets used to this schedule. You sleep early and wake up early which makes you feel more energetic, happy and healthy in the long run.



• Helps you look younger – It is no joke that yoga makes your body tighter, brighter and lighter. It is believed that yoga slows down the process of ageing of heart, liver and kidneys. Yoga helps in producing good chemicals that make your skin glow.
• Helps you feel empowered – Once you finish your workout first thing in the morning, you get a relief that you have enough time for work, family and friends during the day.

Here are a few dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind while practicing yoga early in the morning.

Do’s:

• Practice yoga after taking a bath and without eating anything.
• If you practice before taking bath, then you should wait for some time before taking bath.
• You should practice in the open air like a garden, terrace or balcony. Keep doors and windows open if doing inside.
• Always use a blanket or yoga mat.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.

Dont’s:

• Don’t practice yoga during illness or physical injury.
• Women should not do yoga during menstrual period and pregnancy.
• Don’t practice yoga in a smoke-filled place that can hamper breathing.
• Listen to your body. Don’t push your body to do uncomfortable movements.

Yoga is an art that gets better with practice. You cannot see the benefits of early morning yoga overnight, so a daily practice can help your mind and body to reap the comforting, refreshing and transforming benefits of yoga.

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