What age should I start practising? Am I too young?
If you guys have read my previous posts, then you probably know my answer to this: the right time is now!
Typically, anyone of any age can practice yoga. Of course, this does not mean that one has to dedicate an hour every day to practising, it just means that you can incorporate a few things that work for you. Whether that means breathing techniques such as Pranayama or start off your day with 12 Suryanamaskars, it really doesn’t matter.
In all honesty, I don’t even practice every day. In college, my frequency of practice varied from semester to semester. With class timings changing every 5 months, with CATs and FATs, my practice schedule would vary constantly. I couldn’t stick to one particular routine, it would vary with every week and every day. What's important to remember is that it has to work for you! I have seen yoga work for people of varied ages, whether you’re 20 and looking for HIIT (high-intensity interval training) or you’re a parent with 30 mins to spare for a few back stretches, incorporating practices in your daily or weekly routine to have a bit of me-time is the ultimate goal.
Do I have to practice yoga early in the morning? Because I'm not a morning person.
This might sound counter-intuitive, but no! It is recommended to practice any form of workout at the beginning of your day. However, over my three odd years away from home and at college, I've realised that time really flies out the window.
I remember the first week of college, all my classes were scheduled starting at 8 AM, and I just didn’t have the energy to wake up at 6 to practice yoga. The comfort of a cosy blanket in a cold room always seemed more important and dragging myself out of bed for an hour of sleepy yoga time.
After that first week, my body was just craving some movement, and I had a really uncomfortable headache, so at 7PM I decided to roll out my mat. After 30 mins, six Suryanamaskars and one headstand later, I felt so much lighter, and my headache had disappeared! I then went on to enjoy a few slices of pizza with friends No regrets!
During FAT time, I typically don’t practise yoga at all. But I do enjoy taking ten minutes at 12AM to ease my body and get the blood flowing, which always seems to perk me up and keep me going for another hour or two!
If you had asked me 3 years ago, before college, if I thought there was a “right time” to practice yoga, I probably would’ve given you a completely different answer.
The only thing I will say is to avoid practising two hours after a meal! Other than that, it's really up to you!
I truly believe a form of physical activity that you choose to do, is a personal choice and its something that you find yourself drawn to. Even if you're inconsistent, there’s something about it that keeps you going back for more. I think of yoga as the time I have for myself, on my mat is where I learn the most about myself in such a concentrated period.
So if you decide to start yoga, make sure you’re doing it for yourself, and you’re ready to be disappointed as well as surprised every time you're on the mat. The important thing is to embrace your practice and yourself!
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