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Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Morning yoga vs evening yoga: Is timing important? Yoga expert answers
Yoga is more than just a form of exercise; it nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. But does the time of day you practice yoga influence its benefits? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga expert, founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa said, 'Is it better to do yoga in the morning or at night? The answer is straightforward, it just depends on what your own goals are and what kind of lifestyle you lead. There are various rewards for each time of day.' Also read | How daily yoga practice can calm your thoughts, release tension and bring you closer to inner balance Is it better to do yoga in the morning or at night?(Shutterstock) 'Doing yoga in the morning is like meeting the new day with intention. In that stillness of the morning hours the mind is at peace and calm. Morning yoga awakens the body, gets the blood flowing and clears the mental cobwebs. Get set to rise and shine with sun salutations and gentle stretches and breathwork in the morning to get the clarity, focus and energy you need to embrace the day and tackle work and life in a positive way,' the yoga expert added. Also read | Start your Yoga journey now: Simple tips to redefine your fitness goals Yoga releases emotional tension in the body, promoting clarity and balance. (Unsplash) Benefits of doing evening yoga: 'On the other hand, evening yoga is a great way to wind down from a long day. Cleanses the body and mind Relieves tension and quiets the mind Improves blood flow and drainage Reduces pressure and swelling in the legs, ankles and feet. Possess such as forward bends, gentle twists and deep breathing help coax your nervous system toward a relaxed state. If stress or insomnia are lingering concerns, an evening yoga session may be your panacea, which can help you bid adieu to day-by-day woes,' said Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar. Which is best for you? The yoga expert emphasised on the importance of consistency in yoga practice, rather than the timing. 'There's no right or wrong. If you're a morning person, start the day with some energising flows. If your morning routine is too frantic, make yoga your evening refuge. Some even like both, a little bit of early morning power or focus and then something at the end of the day to kind of ease down,' he said. Also read | International Yoga Day 2025: Experts share benefits of yoga at workplace and 5 strategies to include it in daily routine Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Need a mid-work stretch? Try these 5 easy yoga poses without getting up from your work desk
As we slip into sedentary lifestyles, spending long hours at our desks or on the couch with our laptops, it's easy for the body to become stiff, slouched, and fatigued. However, simple stretches that can be done without even getting up can help relieve tension and make us feel much better. Also read | Yoga Day 2025: 5 desk yoga stretches for busy professionals to focus better and beat work stress Know these desk yoga poses that you can do at work.(Pexels) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga expert, founder, Akshar Yoga Kendraa said, 'Desk Yoga is an easy and effective way to feel fresh and focused at your job. It can alleviate stress, promote better posture and even increase creativity in just five minutes. These micro-movements do more than just stretch out your body; they're an invitation to peace for your mind.' Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar shared these 5 yoga poses: 1. Seated neck rolls: Sit tall, drop your right ear toward your right shoulder, then very gently roll your neck forward and to the left. Breathe slowly. Repeat on both sides. 2. Shoulder rolls: Shrug your shoulders up to your ears and then roll them back and down. Small A 10 slow rolls forward and backward will loosen any tension in your shoulder. Desk yoga helps to relax and reduce strain of continously sitting at desk for long hours.(Shutterstock) 3. Seated spinal twist: Your right hand goes on the back of the chair, left hand toward your right knee. Twist gently to the right. Hold for 30 seconds. Switch sides. Also read | International Yoga Day 2025: Stuck with work? Do these 3 simple stretches at your desk 4. Wrist and finger stretches: Note that when doing these stretches, you may also want to gently massage your fingers together and apart to create your own natural resistance. Extend one arm out in front of you, palm facing up, and lightly tug the fingers towards you with the other hand. Switch hands. Next do a quick shake of your wrists to alleviate any wrist tightness. 5. Deep breathing: Close your eyes, sit tall, and take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of four. Exhale slowly for 6 counts. Repeat for a minute. 'These five minutes are not a break from work, they are a break for you. A moment to reset, to breathe and to check in with yourself,' said the yoga expert. Also read | Yoga trends 2024: Desk yoga to eco-friendly practices, know the trends that ruled this year Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Morning vs Evening Yoga: What's the Best Time for Your Body and Mind?
Whoever thought that a 5,000 year old ancient tradition would become the healing source for millions of people across the globe? Yoga, a practice of exercise originating from India involves consistent coordinated movements of the body and mind to help people improve not only their physical but also mental and emotional health. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It has become so popular and effective that in 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the . While some love beginning their day with yoga, others prefer ending it with exercise. While the forms of yoga remain similar, the time differs. Does it matter and which time is better for your body and mind- morning or evening? Let's find out. Why morning yoga ? Image credits: Getty Images Beginning the day with an hour or more of yoga makes people feel energized and active to tackle the rest of their busy day. 'Starting your day with yoga in the morning is a guaranteed way to activate your muscle groups, energize your whole body, as well as stimulate the mind. Surya namaskar, or sun salutations, in the morning, are considered the best wake-up call for your body and mind. This ensures that you remain alert and focused throughout the day, translating into better productivity. " said Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga guru and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa. Benefits of morning yoga Image credits: Getty Images Doing yoga in the morning is known to awaken the body and the mind as it activates the circulation of oxygen throughout the body and increases alertness and readiness. It also improves digestion and metabolism by burning calories early in the morning. Mindful breathing practices in the early morning channelise your thoughts and clear brain fog. Mornings are much calmer and less noisy than evenings, thus you can build a routine of yoga every day and do it without any distractions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lastly, doing yoga around dawn, which is known as the Brahma muhurta aligns with yogic wisdom. Why evening yoga ? Image credits: Getty Images When compared to morning yoga, evening yoga is aimed at relaxation rather than energization. At this time, your body has moved around a lot and the mind has worked in ten different aspects. Thus, for a more relaxed feeling and sleep, people practice yoga to calm down. Benefits of evening yoga Image credits: Getty Images One of the biggest benefits of evening yoga is that at this time you can try out a lot of big stretching postures as the body is flexible after a day of movement. It relaxes tight and sore muscles and helps centre the mind. Most people practice yoga in the evening to deal with restless sleep as it helps lower the cortisol level, thus ensuring a deep sleep and a more energized and active morning. As mentioned before, yoga is not only effective on physical and mental health but also emotional health. After a long day of stress and anxiety-inducing events and conversations, balancing your emotions with an hour of yoga, helps you deal with them in a positive manner. Morning yoga or Evening yoga: Which is better? Image credits: Getty Images It all depends on your routine. For people who have more time in the mornings, morning yoga can be a good start for the day. However, for those who have rushed mornings and are more comparatively free during the evening, evening yoga is great. For people who like discipline and routine, morning yoga can be a better option as it aligns with a consistent routine and can be done every morning. But for people who thrive in the evenings, evening yoga can be perfect. Ideally, one should practice both morning and evening yoga. You can experiment with the timings depending on your needs for energization or calmness. If you don't have the time to do both, then try practicing in the morning for one week and evening for another and see which makes the mind and body feel better. No matter what the time is, it is more vital to practice yoga regularly as it ensures your positive health.
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Yoga expert urges caution against these 5 asanas: ‘Not worth knee trouble…'
Yoga, known for its myriad benefits, is considered a safe way to enter the fitness space. From improving metabolism, reducing stress, regulating sleep, and increasing flexibility, practising yoga consistently can shape you into a better person. Yoga trainer Anadi Sharma said that while most yoga poses are safe, some ask for more care and awareness, especially if you're practicing solo or just starting. Here are 5 poses you should be aware of: Headstands: They are powerful but demanding. If your neck and shoulders aren't strong and stable yet, you can skip them or build up gradually. Shoulder stands: Tricky to align properly. Without enough prep, they can stress your neck or compress your spine. Plow pose: A deep spinal stretch, but one that can easily overdo it for the lower back. Full lotus: Beautiful, but not worth knee trouble if your hips aren't open. Ease in, or modify. Wheel pose: This one is like a dramatic backbend—great when you're warm, risky if you're not. Remember, these yoga asanas aren't 'bad' —they need time, patience, and sometimes the guidance of a good teacher. 'Go slow. Your body will thank you,' he said. According to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions, here are a few yoga asanas to get you started as a beginner: Tadasana is the simplest yoga pose, in which you stand straight. Tada means 'mountain,' so it is also known as the mountain pose. There is no risk associated with practicing it; however, pregnant ladies should avoid this posture since they might lose balance. 'This asana lengthens the spine, opens up the chest, enhances posture, and gently tones the muscles in the thighs, buttocks, and legs. Performing the asana regularly also enhances focus and attentiveness, and alleviates sciatica and flat feet,' he added. A variation of Tadasana, this basic standing balancing pose creates awareness of body balance in an individual. However, senior citizens and pregnant women should avoid this pose. If you have knee problems, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. 'Beginners should stand with their backs against a wall and try to keep their bodies as straight as possible,' he advised. Also known as 'Raised Hands Pose,' it is a full-body stretch most often done as part of the Sun Salutation sequence. This pose improves posture, strengthens the legs, and provides a full-body stretch. The Sanskrit word 'kati' means waist, and 'chakra' means wheel; hence, we call it Waist Rotating Pose. However, it is commonly known as Standing Spinal Twist as it involves the movement of the waist. This yoga pose helps tone up the waist, hips, back, neck, and shoulders, making them more flexible. It also aids in managing body weight, is suitable for back stiffness, and proper posture. However, the expert suggested that people with health issues like spinal problems and hernia, along with pregnant women, avoid doing this asana. Also referred to as the Tree pose, those new to the practice, especially elderly people, should perform this pose with support. It aids in the flexibility of the spine and hips, improves the balance of the legs, and overall stability. It is also suitable for sciatica and back pain. Akshar said, 'Avoid this pose if you have any injuries to your lower body, hamstrings, and ankles. In case of dizziness or vertigo, please practice with caution,' concluding that it is a great pose for women to practice during pregnancy as it eases pain and helps in a smooth delivery.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
International Yoga Day 2025: Stuck with work? Do these 3 simple stretches at your desk
International Yoga Day 2025:As we celebrate International Yoga Day today, it's important to recognise the wide-ranging benefits yoga brings to both physical and mental health. From strengthening muscles and enhancing mobility to boosting immunity and relieving stress, yoga offers a holistic approach to well-being. Also read | Yoga Day 2025: 5 desk yoga stretches for busy professionals to focus better and beat work stress Desk yoga helps to relax and reduce strain of continuously sitting at desk for long hours.(Pexels) However, long work hours and chronic stress often get in the way of consistent practice. For those spending extended periods at a desk, incorporating simple stretches and mindful movement into the day can counter the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and help maintain overall health. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga expert, columnist, founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa said, 'From stiff shoulders to back pain and tired eyes, the physical toll that office work can take won't surprise you. But you can take care of your body and mind without getting out of your desk chair. Desk yoga is a simple and effective means of incorporating movement, focus and calm in your day.' Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar suggested these simple stretches for professionals: 1. Neck rolls: Start with neck rolls, from a seated position: sitting tall, slowly rotate your head in a clockwise circle and then repeat in the opposite direction. This helps unlock tension and loosens your neck. Also read | Kickstart your morning with 6 easy yoga poses if you sit all day or work from home Desk yoga(Pexels) 2. Shoulder shrugs: Then do shoulder shrugs—raise your shoulders toward your ears, then relax. Do this a few times to relieve the tightness. Extend both hands overhead and lace your fingers, reaching up as you take a deep breath in. Hold the stretch and then exhale, releasing. 3. Seated spinal twist: If your back is aching, a seated spinal twist. Maintain and sit tall as you bring your right hand to your left knee, twisting your torso left. Continue for a few seconds, breathe and repeat on the other side. You may even want to extend your legs beneath your desk and flex your ankles to promote circulation. Benefits of desk yoga: Speaking of the benefits of desk yoga, the yoga expert added, 'Desk yoga is about more than just moving. It's a brief pause that empties your mind, slows your breath and lifts your spirits. You'll feel better in 5-10 minutes, refreshed and ready to refocus better. So, take the time and make the room in your day to complete these stretches.' Also read | International Yoga Day 2025: 10 asanas children can practice with parents at home Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
