Are you ready to fire up your day?! This week’s practice will do just that – it’s a fiery 10-minute flow. It’s yoga for energy. Yoga for strength. A morning practice to fire up your day!
Starting the day from an energized place can be a hard thing to do. We’re often shocked out of our slumbers by our alarms, and depending on how we’ve slept, we wake up feeling groggy and sluggish.
But that doesn’t mean that we have to go through the whole day that way! Taking just a few moments in the morning to set the tone for our day can have a huge impact on how that day unfolds.
Below are some of my favorite ways to start the day so that I feel energized and fired up!
Catch Some Rays
Light, especially the bright light of the sun, signals to the body that it’s time to wake up. My fiance isn’t even able to begin the process of getting out of bed unless he has some light!
As soon as you get up, open your blinds and let in the natural light. You’ll feel ready for your day in no time!
Shower
And if light doesn’t do it, then a refreshing shower is sure to! There’s nothing like a nice shower to wash away the cobwebs and grogginess of sleep. This one of my personal favorite ways to get a little energy boost.
If you’re really struggling to wake up, here’s a little tip: at the end of your shower, blast yourself with cold water for 30 seconds, followed by hot water for 30 seconds, and then finish with cold water for the final 30 seconds. The rapid change in temperature will increase blood flow and stimulate both body and mind. This is a pretty hardcore approach, so I save it for days when I’m really dragging.
Breath of Fire
The breath is a super handy tool for managing and regulating our energy. That’s what pranayama is all about! Commonly known as “breath work”, pranayama is so much more than that. Prana is the Sanskrit word for “life force energy”, and pranayama is the method through which we regulate that energy. So if you’re looking for an energy boost, turn to the breath.
Kapalabhati breath is the breath of fire, and it is a forceful breath that builds heat. It’s practiced by performing sharp, forceful exhales, with the belly pulling in on each exhale. The inhales will happen naturally – you don’t even have to think about them. Remember to breathe in and out through the nose. Practice 30 kapalabhati breaths for three rounds, taking a little break in between rounds, and you’ll start to feel more energized.
Related: Pranayama Guide
Morning Yoga For Energy
Moving your body in the morning is one of the best ways to wake yourself up. Physical movement boosts endorphins, which gives you more energy and puts you in a better mood. You’ll also jumpstart your metabolism and burn more calories throughout your day. Not only will you feel more energized, but you’ll be healthier too!
The practice below is a strong one – nothing like some yoga for strength to fire up your day! So go ahead an unroll your mat, and let’s get this day started!
I’ll meet you on the mat!
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Hi! Thanks Natalie for your online video, I enjoyed it very much. I was wondering what mic and camera you are using to make your video’s. It’s seems easy to use. Take care. Namaste. Lilith
Hi Lilith, I’m so happy you’re enjoying the videos I offer! In terms of equipment, I use a Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder with the Rode Filmmaker Kit and the Rode Headset Microphone. I hope that helps!