by Rosemari Trites

Created on: January 23, 2009

Yoga practice can be a central part of one's day. It can be used to alleviate headaches, digestive disorders, backache and menstrual cramps. Many people also use yoga for fitness, building muscle tissue, stability, balance and endurance. Depending on how you plan to use your yoga practice will determine the best time of day for your practice.

Yoga practice has long been used as part of a system of overall health and fitness. The benefits of a regular daily practice can increase your metabolism and help with joint health. As part of a fitness program, many people find that their best motivation comes first thing after waking. Yoga can be a very peaceful and energizing way to start your day. Depending on the poses used, you can find first thing after you wake up is the best time to clear your head and get focused, especially if it is going to be a hectic day. I use yoga to find my focus in the morning if I have a meeting or task that is going to be especially stressful.

If you are using yoga to alleviate a symptom such as headache or backache, yoga can be integrated into any part of the day. A few deep breathes and correcting posture even at your desk can interject some much needed relaxation into your day. There are many postures you can practice without having to get down on the floor on a mat.

For many, the stress of a long day of taking care of children, running errands and working, start to take their toll in the early evening. Not only can this be a fantastic time of day to incorporate a regular yoga practice, but because it is so relaxing it can lift the hard day right off of someone's evening. This is very helpful if you find it difficult to relax and enjoy your family at the end of the day.

My favorite use of yoga is for relaxation and to help me fall asleep. My favorite time of day for yoga practice of this kind is half an hour before bedtime. Getting into the poses and concentrating on the breathe is so relaxing, a full night of restful sleep is not a problem anymore. Because a regular yoga practice is beneficial for overall health, daytime practice is still essential to my day. Still, my late evening poses are definitely my favorites.

Every person is different, but my favorite time of day for yoga will probably always be late evening. I don't ever have trouble falling asleep anymore, and I wake up rested every day. Good luck with your practice, and find the best time that is going to benefit you and your needs.

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