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Yoga is a beautiful way to start your day and can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to feel completely awake in the mornings. By incorporating some simple yoga poses into your morning routine, you can increase your energy, focus, and overall sense of well-being. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best yoga poses for waking up and starting your day off right.
- Cat/Cow Pose
Begin on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. As you inhale, arch your back and look up towards the ceiling, lifting your tailbone towards the sky. As you exhale, round your spine and tuck your chin towards your chest. Repeat this flow, moving with your breath for a few rounds.
- Downward-Facing Dog
From the Cat/Cow pose, tuck your toes under and lift your hips up and back, coming into Downward-Facing Dog. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart. Press your hands and feet into the ground, and lift your tailbone towards the sky. Stay here for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in your hamstrings and calves.
- Sun Salutations
Sun Salutations are a great way to wake up your entire body and get your blood flowing. Start at the top of your mat with your hands in a prayer position. Inhale, and sweep your arms up overhead, looking up towards your hands. Exhale, and fold forward, bending your knees as much as you need to. Inhale, and step back into plank pose, holding for a breath or two. Exhale, and lower down to the ground, coming into Cobra or Upward-Facing Dog. Finally, exhale, and lift your hips and back into Downward-Facing Dog. Repeat this flow a few times, moving with your breath.
- Warrior II
From Downward-Facing Dog, step your right foot forward between your hands, and turn your left foot out to the side. Inhale, and lift your arms to shoulder height, coming into Warrior II. Keep your right knee bent and your left leg straight. Gaze out over your right hand, and sink into the pose, feeling the strength and power in your legs. Stay here for a few breaths, then switch sides.
- Tree Pose
Stand at the top of your mat with your feet hip-width apart. Shift your weight onto your left foot, and place your right foot on your left inner thigh. Press your foot into your thigh, and your thigh back into your foot. Bring your hands to the prayer position in front of your heart. Find a spot on the ground to focus on, and breathe deeply. Stay here for a few breaths, then switch sides.
- Savasana
End your practice with a few minutes of Savasana, or corpse pose. Lie down on your back, with your arms by your sides and your palms facing up. Close your eyes, and allow your body to fully relax. Breathe deeply, and let go of any tension or stress. Stay here for a few minutes, then slowly begin to bring yourself back to a seated position.
By incorporating these simple yoga poses into your morning routine, you can set yourself up for a productive, energized day. Take a few minutes each morning to connect with your body and breath, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel throughout the day.
If you want a beautiful place to wake up and practice, schedule your retreat or YTT at Anamaya.
