6 simple tips to include yoga in your morning routine

If only there wasn't the part of getting out of bed — that's the hardest bit! Once you're on the mat and start to move and breathe, the rest will take care of itself.

Here are 6 simple tips that might help get you there:

Be realistic

Decide how much time you can dedicate to practice each week. If you're just starting out, try 10 minutes 3 days a week. Once you've established a routine you'll probably experiment with trying longer flows or even adding a meditation practice. However, never put pressure on yourself and take each day as it comes. Why not get started with a free 30-day Yogaia membership and try out one of their short live and recorded online yoga classes from the comfort of your own bedroom? 

Encourage a positive attitude.

The best time to generate positivity is in the morning. In those early hours, we establish our mindset for the entire day, so it’s important to treat this critical period with attention and respect. Moving away from seeing your morning practice as a task you must do, which can bring all sorts of negative feelings with it, towards developing an attitude of making a positive, permanent change in your life. Having a morning practice allows you to wake up, do the same thing every day, and not ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” When setting up your morning routine, ask yourself what kind of person you want to be and how your practice can help to accomplish that.

Same time, same place 

Consistency is key to establishing a new morning routine. Set your alarm each morning. Yogaia allows you to book in for classes in advance for live classes, so book in the day before.

Be prepared

Put out your yoga gear the night before and put it next to your bed. I've been known to get dressed while still under the duvet, so do whatever works for you! Roll out your mat and place your props so that everything is ready for you when you roll out from under the covers.

Keep it simple

Surrender to the mat, drop any ego-centred expectations (you must move a certain way, look a certain way, etc.). I personally use this quote by Thich Nhat Hanh as my morning mantra to help keep me centered: “Smile, breathe, and go slowly.”

Be present

Don't check your phone; don't start talking to your partner, your dog or anyone else crossing your path on your way to your yoga mat. Move before you start to think and get distracted. To really make the most of your morning yoga practice, you have to let go. Let the breath free you from all that would keep you from cultivating inner peace, confidence, and gratitude. Be fully present, whether it’s for 10 minutes or an hour. Trust me — quality trumps quantity here.

Some days I literally jump out of bed and other days I can't think of anything better than staying under the duvet (we've all been there!). It does take time and discipline to build a regular balanced morning practice, but simply starting with one small change every morning has the power to transform your day.

Start your morning routine with Yogaia with our free 30-day membership offer, just for our friends at VITL! We would love to see you on the mat, so join Yogaia for free now and give it a go.

Namaste,

Franzi Manig