Yoga Pathways

I get it. Mornings aren’t for everyone. Some of us hit snooze more times than should be legally allowed. Others can’t imagine willingly contorting into a downward dog before their second (or fifth) coffee. And some of you may be so out of touch you think yoga is just something middle-class, middle-aged women do to bond over herbal tea and the latest Lululemon sale.

But this is the truth —science (and a sprinkle of common sense) says morning routines, particularly those involving yoga, can do wonders for everyone, no matter your current relationship with your alarm clock. And the reason I keep banging on about it is because it works. My life has changed and morning yoga and meditation is where I’m placing most of the blame.

Why Bother With a Morning Routine?

Your brain is a bit like a puppy— super eager to please first thing in the morning, before distractions start pulling its attention in every direction. Studies show that your willpower is strongest early in the day, before the chaos of life starts chipping away at it.

Morning routines are proven to:

• Reduce decision fatigue: Fewer “what should I do next” moments = less stress.
• Boost productivity: Because planning your day beats doom-scrolling Instagram in bed.
• Set the tone for positivity: A routine can keep you from spiralling into “why did I even get up” territory.

Basically, morning routines are like a cheat code for adulting.

Why Yoga? (No, It’s Not Just for the Bend-and-Brunch Crowd)

Yoga is for everyone: stressed-out office workers, sleep-deprived parents, gym bros with tight hamstrings, and yes, even you.

Here’s what the science says about yoga:

• It lowers cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone) so you’re less likely to snap at your coworker or family by 9 a.m.
• Improves flexibility and strength: Perfect for counteracting the “I woke up feeling 80” aches.
• Enhances focus and mental clarity: Making it easier to remember where you left your keys.

And the best bit: Morning yoga activates your parasympathetic nervous system (a fancy way of saying your chill mode), which keeps you calm, collected, and energised for the rest of the day.

But I’m Not a Morning Person

Can you feel me yawning and rolling my eyes? 😏

You don’t have to roll out of bed chanting Om or spend an hour in a headstand. A simple, no-frills routine can work wonders.

Here’s a beginner-friendly idea:

1. Wake up (yes, actually get up).
2. Spend five minutes stretching in bed if you must.
3. Try a couple of sun salutations—flowing, energising movements that even early risers swear by.
4. End with a short mindfulness moment. (Translation: Sit still and breathe. No scrolling allowed.)

Think of it as yoga for people who don’t “do” yoga. No scented candles required. Although, personally I think you can’t have too many scented candles.

What’s the Payoff?

After a week, you might notice:

• Your back doesn’t sound like bubble wrap when you move.
• You’re less likely to bark at whoever drank the last of the milk.
• You feel slightly smug about starting your day better than most of your peers (it’s the little things).

After a month? You might just find yourself… enjoying it. Crazy, we know.

Final Thoughts: Give It a Go, Even if You’re Skeptical

Morning yoga isn’t a cult, it’s a tool. One backed by science and used by everyone from top athletes to sleep-deprived parents to regular people who just want to feel a bit better. So why not give it a try? Worst case, you’ll stretch a little. Best case, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

And remember, even if you flop on the mat in pyjamas that have seen better days, you’re doing it right. After all, the hardest part of yoga is just showing up (and maybe not falling asleep in child’s pose).

So set the alarm, take the leap—and if all else fails, just promise yourself coffee after.

The photo you see was taken yesterday at 7 a.m. on Zoom. These are the people who are already experiencing—or just starting to explore—the transformative power of morning yoga and meditation. With consistent practice, they’re discovering how this simple daily ritual can spark positive changes in every area of life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

You can join us FREE throughout December. All you need to do is message me for the zoom link