Is it Better to Practice Yoga in the Morning?

Hey there lovely people. This is a funny topic. Hana and I had a little discussion with each other about this last night. So basically one of is a night owl and the other an early bird. After much heated discussion we conclude that we don't think its better to practice in the morning than any other time. It just totally depends on you and your life, your personality, preferences and circumstances at this moment. Daily life schedules change at times for all of us. Being flexible enough to go with flow regarding times and lengths of our practice is important. Aiming to stick with rigid schedules can sometimes exhaust us or leave us feeling like a failure if we don't stick to it. There are many benefits of practicing in both the morning and evening. So we thought we would bring you some ideas from both sides. 

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”    Albert Einstein

 You may have heard that its traditional to practice Yoga in the morning, and it is. There are many reasons for this. Its is very hot in India so the early morning may well be the only time of day that a physical practice bearable. But we aren't living the ashram life, we are living the crazy city life. Honoring traditions are great but honoring yourself and your circumstances is just as important. Here are some pros to morning Yoga Practice.

• You have already done it! You won't be thinking about when in the day you can squeeze your practice in because you've already done it by the time most people are brushing their teeth! 
• Consistency. You most likely won't have other commitments at stupid o'clock so won't have to ​'cancel' your class or practice. (Eg: friends party, after work drinks, laundry time or date night) And this can help you be more consistent. Practicing at the same time each day can help you be more aware of how your and your body feels each day.
• Stress Prevention. A morning practice can be stress prevention for the rest of the day. This gives you time to connect with yourself before all the external distractions of the day take over.
• Quite Time. The world, your house or studio you go to will be much quieter than later on in the day. Hear the birds and not the noise pollution that will be starting soon.
• Help you sleep more. Knowing you are going to wake up early might help you go to bed at reasonable hour. 

And here my loves are some reasons that a morning practice may not be for you....at the moment!

• Your morning is already crazy busy, maybe you have kids, a pet, your period, a hangover! All good reasons why your practice can wait until later on. 
• Your body is stiffer in the morning. You have been laying down all night so moving in the morning might feel horrible. 
• Misery!  If you are going to feel ratty and tired the rest of day because you forced yourself to practice in the morning then this is not for you! When it doesn't fit with your lifestyle, energy and personality then you will probably not enjoy it. If you don't enjoy your practice you are less likely to do it. 
• You like taking a class with friends, colleagues or seeing your Yoga buddies after work. Going to Yoga after work and at other times can be a lot of fun, being a part of a community of people coming together to sweat, breath and move is amazing! After work classes are probably the most poplar times at studios and there is always a great energy in the room. We love it! 
• An evening practice is stress relief. Evening practices are a perfect was to wind down and destress, making for a much better nights sleep.

“I want to caution you against the idea that balance has to be a routine that looks the same week in and week out.”   Kevin Thoman

Well we hope we that you practice Yoga and keep enjoying and reaping the many benefits. Whether you practice in the morning, evening or the middle of the day. At home, in your office, workplace or studio. It's all good! 
Lots of Love to you. Thank you for reading.