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A Mindful Morning: How to Incorporate Yoga into Your Morning Routine

September 3, 2024



Before you roll your eyes at the thought of adding one more thing to your morning routine, hear me out! Incorporating yogic practices as you start your day can create a significant shift in your mindset. It’s a common misconception that yoga begins and ends on the mat, but I believe, the most profound shifts happen off the mat.

 

 

 

 

 

Deep Belly Breathing

Practicing diaphragmatic breathing, or deep belly breathing, as you wake up helps to calm the mind and set intentions for the day. Once the alarm clock has done its job, allow yourself 5 – 10 minutes of meditative breathwork. This can look like placing one hand on the belly and one hand on the heart space, inhaling deeply for a count of four and exhaling slowly for a count of four.

 

 

 

Gentle Stretching

A little stretching as you wake up can go a long way. Try to incorporate gentle movement before getting out of bed. This can look like a seated forward fold, child’s pose or a few rounds of cat/cow. Gently waking up your body before starting the day can aid in releasing tension that may have built up during sleep.

 

 

 

Set an Intention

Just like setting an intention during an asana practice can inspire your flow, dedicating your morning to a specific theme can create ripple effects throughout your day. For example, moving with the intention of “gratitude” can inspire a more positive outlook. As you brush your teeth, ask yourself: What am I grateful for today? Bonus points if you can practice gratitude during morning traffic, offering a simple thank you as the light finally turns green!

 

 

 

The practice of yoga goes far beyond the physical asanas and can be woven into our daily lives. By incorporating these simple techniques into your morning routine, you can cultivate mindfulness and start your day with a sense of calm that can be carried with you throughout the day.

 

 

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