In preparation for the Yoga Rave that Vikes Nation hosted on January 15th, I decided to try a morning yoga routine for the week leading up to it. Part of the inspiration for this was that I’ve always seen those cool looking girls on Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr who are super fit, hip, and just way more flexible than I could probably ever be. Now let’s cover all the bases and ask what really is yoga? A simple Google search will tell you that yoga is a physical activity which involves the adoption of specific bodily postures, often involves breath control and meditation, and is widely practiced for health and relaxation. Yoga can be used as a part of deep spiritual practice; however, it can also simply be a means of exercise. I opted for the latter and decided to try it for its health benefits as lots of studies say that yoga is great for reducing stress and anxiety. By choosing to do it every morning when I wake up, it provides me with a routine so that I don’t skip it. An added bonus is that it forces me to get out of bed on time.
I decided to try just a few simple moves from a link I found on Pinterest which included poses like the child pose, downward facing dog, upward facing dog, low lunge, and the lotus pose. I like this specific collection of poses because it is only set up as a five-minute circuit and is good for beginners like me.
Day One:
Thoughts going through my head include “wow I can touch my toes just fine but I apparently can’t handle a downward dog” and “I’m just going to sit criss-cross applesauce because my feet do not like going the other way around.”
Hydration and health both start with “H” so that’s why they’re connected, right?
Day Two:
I’m not thinking of much other than how warm my bed was and how cold this yoga mat is.
Me attempting to do the Lotus Pose properly but failing, again:
Day Three:
I started feeling really sick last night so all I can think of today is how I wish I could breathe through my nose and how yoga isn’t nearly as fun with a cough.
What I learnt this morning: It is very uncomfortable to photograph the upward facing dog.
Day Four:
I convinced my roommate to join me and while she makes it more entertaining, having someone with me takes away from the relaxation and quiet that I felt the other mornings.
Day Five:
I’m realizing that I am still not stellar with my form (I can’t get my face on the floor at the same time as my bum on my feet) but I am noticing progress.
What I learnt this morning: Neon colours make excellent workout clothes.
Day Six:
The lunge is definitely getting easier although my lack of balance is still a bit of an issue.
What I learnt this morning: Make sure the camera is angled enough so that the beer pong posters aren’t visible; it really makes you look less health-oriented.
Day Seven:
I feel like this is pretty ingrained into my morning routine now and I have stopped dreading getting out of bed to do it.
Perks of morning yoga: You can get your roommate/photographer to braid your hair.
I’m not sure if I am any less anxious or more relaxed throughout the day but I do know that I am enjoying taking some time to unwind before truly starting my morning. Next, I think that I will try bedtime yoga, a similar set of easy poses in order to help release muscle tension that has been building up all day. This five minute video by Chelsea Kruse does a very good job explaining each position and is a simple progression from these morning yoga poses.
Give it a try collegiettes!