What is the best time to do yoga? - Dr. Gurudatta H K

In this practice

Key teachings

• Optimal timing for yoga practice
• Importance of aligning yoga with natural body rhythms
• Impact of food and digestion on yoga practice
• Ayurvedic concept of 'ama' (undigested food accumulation)

Ideal for

• Beginners establishing a yoga routine
• Experienced practitioners refining their schedule
• Individuals interested in Ayurvedic principles for well-being

Lesson

Instructions

Everyone are so aware that yoga is very important in our lives today. But do we know what is the right time to do yoga. The best time to practice yoga is during the morning time. We call it traditionally as brahmimuhurtha between 3.30 to 5’o clock. But practically it may be very difficult to many of ourselves to do that. But we can have a relaxation even then. It is better always to practice before 8 am in the morning. So you have slept overnight. Your stomach is empty, your food is digested, you have attended your nature calls. You don’t have too many things on your mind to think about. So that is when your focus is much better doing the yoga practice. Third thing is when you have rested throughout the night your body is relaxed, your brain is not functioning so with too many thoughts and processes. So it becomes easier for us to practice yoga. Mind is free, body is relaxed. So it is very comfortable to practice yoga in the morning hours. Our mind is fresh. But it is not advisable to do the practice in the afternoons. Probably it is because of the food. You probably had two meals by then and afternoons are the right time for good digestion. If you are doing yoga during that time it can impair the digestion. It can lead to accumulation of undigested food called as ama in ayurveda which can be a major cause of concern for non communicable chronic conditions. So it is advisable either you practice yoga in the morning hours or evening during the sunset.

Steps

• Asana (physical postures)
• Pranayama (breathing exercises)
• Dhyana (meditation)

Benefits

• Enhanced focus and concentration during practice
• Improved digestion and metabolism through proper timing
• Prevention of 'ama' accumulation (undigested food)
• Better body-mind connection when practiced optimally