As a lifestyle blogger, I’m always seeking out small ways to boost my energy and productivity throughout the day. Recently, I discovered that a short, simple morning yoga routine has become an incredible energizing ritual for me. I want to share the details with you here!
My Journey With Morning Yoga
When I first woke up every day, I used to feel groggy and tired no matter how much sleep I got the night before. I drank coffee to try to kickstart my mornings, but I always ended up hitting an early afternoon slump. I wanted to find a way to wake up feeling refreshed and maintain that energy all day.
I started researching morning routines and the benefits of yoga. I realized that a short yoga flow first thing in the morning could help give me more energy for the day ahead. Yoga increases blood flow and oxygen circulation, leaving you feeling more awake and alert. After learning about the energizing perks, I was inspired to give it a try myself.
The 15 Minute Flow That I Love
The morning yoga routine that I ultimately created for myself is very simple, requiring no props or equipment. It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. But those 15 minutes are so energizing that I feel the effects all day long!
My flow focuses primarily on gentle stretching, breathing, and a few balancing postures. These three elements work together to get my blood pumping and energy flowing. The moves also help strengthen my muscles to prevent early fatigue.
This short sequence is perfect for waking up the body gently. Since it’s only 15 minutes, it’s a practice I can fit in even my busiest mornings. I simply roll out my yoga mat as soon as I get out of bed and flow through the following yoga sequence:
My 15 Minute Morning Energizing Yoga Sequence
- Cat/Cow Pose (3-5 rounds)
- Start on all fours. Inhale to arch spine, lifting chest and tailbone up. This is Cow Pose. Exhale to round spine, tucking chin towards chest. This is Cat Pose. Flow back and forth.
- Downward Facing Dog (hold for 3-5 breaths)
- From all fours, tuck toes under and lift knees off the floor to invert the body into an upside down V shape. Ground heels down and lengthen the spine. Breathe deeply.
- Forward Fold (hold for 3-5 breaths)
- From Downward Dog, walk feet forward towards hands and hang forward over legs, letting head and neck relax. Bend knees as needed.
- Halfway Lift to Forward Fold (repeat 3-5 times)
- Inhale, lift halfway up, flattening back. Exhale to return to Forward Fold position.
- Standing Forward Fold (hold for 3-5 breaths)
- Rise back up to stand with legs hip-width apart. Bend knees slightly and fold torso over legs, grabbing elbows. Let head and neck relax.
- Halfway Lift to Standing Forward Fold (repeat 3-5 times)
- Inhale, lift halfway up, flattening back. Exhale to return to Standing Forward Fold.
- Ragdoll Pose (hold for 3-5 breaths)
- Release Standing Forward Fold and gently sway torso side to side, allowing gravity to stretch the back of legs and spine.
- Mountain Pose (hold for 3-5 breaths)
- Return to stand, grounding evenly through four corners of feet. Relax shoulders and lift chest.
- Standing Back Bend (hold for 3-5 breaths)
- Inhale, lifting chest up. Exhale, gently arch backwards.
- Standing Side Bend (repeat 2-3 times per side)
- Inhale to lift one arm overhead. Exhale to stretch over the opposite side. Repeat for both sides.
- Tree Pose (hold for 3-5 breaths per side)
- Shift weight onto one leg, bending other knee and placing sole of foot to inner thigh. Press palms together overhead. Repeat for both sides.
- Child’s Pose (hold for 5 slow breaths)
- Come to kneel, bringing big toes together and sitting back on heels. Inhale to lift chest. Exhale to bow forward, resting forehead on the mat.
- Reclined Butterfly (hold for 3-5 breaths)
- Lie back, bending knees and bringing soles of feet together. Allow knees to open out to sides and relax shoulders.
- Supine Twist (repeat 2-3 times per side)
- Hug knees into chest on an exhale. Inhale to straighten out legs. Exhale to let knees fall over to one side. Repeat for both sides.
- Corpse Pose (hold for 3-5 minutes)
- Stretch out fully on back. Allow feet to fall open and arms to rest by sides, palms up. Focus on full-body relaxation.
I move slowly through each pose, focusing on my breath and how each movement makes my body feel. The sequence gently awakens every part of me, leaving me feeling loose, strong, and fully energized.
| The Benefits I’ve Experienced |
|---|
| More energy all day long |
| Improved strength and flexibility |
| Elevated mood and less stress |
| Better sleep at night |
Tips For An Energizing Yoga Flow
If you want to give my morning yoga sequence a try for yourself, here are some of my top tips:
- Wake up a few minutes early so you don’t feel rushed. Give yourself 15-20 minutes for the routine.
- Flow slowly and focus on breathing deeply in each pose.
- Engage your muscles as you stretch for added strength benefits.
- Listen to your body and don’t push too intensely. Ease in gently.
- Finish by relaxing completely in Corpse Pose to absorb the benefits.
Customize the routine to your own needs and abilities! Just those 15 short minutes can make a world of difference.
Continuing The Energy Boost All Day
While my morning yoga routine gives me incredible energy first thing, I also integrate some additional habits into my day to keep my energy steady.
Here are some of my other daily energizers:
- I drink a big glass of lemon water after my yoga flow to rehydrate and get a vitamin C boost. This aids digestion and muscle recovery too.
- My breakfasts tend to be light yet protein-rich, like a veggie omelet or avocado toast. I avoid heavy foods in the AM.
- I take an afternoon walk outdoors to give my eyes a break from screens and get fresh air. Just 10-15 minutes is refreshing.
- Snacking on nuts, fruits or Greek yogurt keeps me fueled between meals without energy crashes.
- I practice mindful breathing whenever I notice my energy lagging to give an instant boost.
With my morning yoga ritual and these simple lifestyle habits, my days feel productive, focused and full of vitality from morning to night! I don’t even need that midday coffee anymore.
What tricks do you use to keep your energy up all day? I’d love to hear how you stay powered in the comments below! Practice your own 15 minute flow tomorrow morning and let me know how you feel.
