Why I Love Yoga

MY SUNDAY STRETCH RITUAL
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I love yoga and here’s why… it’s become my secret weapon for both starting and ending my days with more ease and less pain. Whether it’s a 15-minute morning routine or an evening wind-down, these simple stretches have transformed how I move through life.

I Fall Asleep Faster and Sleep Deeper

There’s something magical about gentle evening stretches that signals to my body it’s time to rest. When I roll out my mat as the day winds down, I can literally feel the tension melting away.

Deep breathing, a key element of yoga, helps dial down the fight-or-flight response that keeps our bodies on high alert, according to Dr. Elizabeth Ko, medical director of the UCLA Health Integrative Medicine Collaborative.

Recent studies have shown that yoga can significantly improve sleep quality, helping people with insomnia fall asleep more quickly and remain asleep throughout the night. Dr. Vanika Chawla, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford School of Medicine and certified yoga instructor, confirms that yoga promotes the relaxation necessary for quality sleep.

Just 15 minutes of gentle stretching before bed has become my non-negotiable ritual for deep, restorative sleep.

Morning Sunrise: Goodbye Aches and Pains

The way we start our mornings sets the tone for the entire day. I’ve found that morning stretches are particularly effective for relieving those stiff muscles and achy joints after a night’s sleep.

As the sun rises, my gentle movements help lubricate joints and wake up muscles gradually. Those creaky morning sounds and sensations? They fade away as I move through simple stretches that prepare my body for whatever the day might bring.

There’s something especially powerful about connecting with your breath and body in those quiet morning moments. It’s not just physical—it’s the mental clarity that comes from taking these few minutes for yourself before the day’s demands begin.

Anytime Escape from Stress and Anxiety

Perhaps what I love most about yoga is that it’s always there when I need it. In the middle of a hectic day, even a few minutes of mindful stretching can reset my nervous system and bring me back to center.

When anxiety starts to build, focusing on breath and movement creates space between my thoughts, allowing tension to dissolve. Today’s 15-minute feel-good stretch has become my reliable escape—a mini-vacation I can take anytime, anywhere.

Your body enters a restorative phase when you stretch, functioning more optimally in every way. Whether it’s at sunrise, sunset, or anytime in between, these simple movements offer a pathway back to peace.

A little bit of happiness is just 15 minutes away.