Why do you think yoga is so popular nowadays? I think it has a lot to do with our busy lifestyles. Yoga not only relieves pain in your joints, back, and shoulders, but it also calms the body and mind after a stressful day. In yoga, we begin to find our balance, both in the physical and mental sense.

If a few short yoga poses aren't already a part of your morning routine, it's time to start! Even a simple child's pose or downward-facing dog can loosen up tight hips, stretch cramped shoulders, length calf muscles, and improve blood circulation.  

You can't begin your practice without an amazing playlist, so check out these 10 tracks to get your morning off to a great start:

1. "Your Eyes in the Candlelight" by Michael Whalen

This gentle spa-like instrumental music reminds me of a soft sunrise. When you wake up at dawn, play this song on low while you gaze out the window, watching nature wake up.

2. "OM Shri Arunachala" by Stevin McNamara

Are you ready for a real yoga practice? This soft string-instrument tune lasts for over an hour, so you can track how long you've been stretching. Begin your practice in child's pose and slowly wake up to the day with mountain pose, downward-facing dog, and rag-doll.

3. "Harmonic Cascade" by Dean Evenson & Scott Huckabay

Do you love flute music? It's one of my faves. Wake your body with gentle nature noises and soft melodies reminiscent of a spring day.

4. "Lokah Samastah" by Jane Winthers

Perhaps you prefer a chant included in your yoga practice. While some can be jarring to listen to in the early hours of the day, Lokah Samastah is light and airy throughout.

5. "Call Within" by Manose

A lyric-less song is often the most haunting, and this track combines flute music, birds chirping, and water flowing to create a melody like the glassy surface of a pond.

Go to the next page to listen to more yoga music!

Although I'm just a newbie when it comes to yoga, I already know that music is a must-have in any yoga practice. Going through the flow of yoga in silence can be distracting, ironically. Having a calming melody playing in the background helps slow my breathing and allows me to concentrate on my poses.  

Do you find the same is true for you? Listen to 5 more tracks here and find one that speaks to you. Would you be able to focus on your child's pose or downward-facing dog while listening to these?

6. "My Heart Bows Down to You/ Maha Mantra" by Brenda McMorrow

Meditation music is a great choice, but if you want something more contemporary, it's a good idea to find something with a lot of meaning for you. This peaceful lyric song will make you feel secure and united within.  

7. "He Ma Durga" by Donna De Lory

Ready for a contemporary chant and chimes-like track? Relax and focus on your poses thanks to this calming hour-long track.

8. "Be Here Now" by Ray LaMontagne

A blend of contemporary folk music and zen vibes, this contemporary-sounding song is perfect if you just want to chill out in child's pose for a few breaths.

9. "2/1 Ambient" by Brian Eno

Some of the day's worst anxiety can happen in the mornings: "I have so much to do today!" "I forgot to pick up milk at the grocery store!" "I can't find my keys!" Anxiety before 10am is a good sign that you need to re-center. Empty your mind and heal your heart with this ambient music.

10. "Om Sarve" by Tina Malia

Guitars aren't just for rock music. Infuse your morning yoga routine with zen vibes from the talented Tina Malia. Her voice and guitar blend to create a melody that will get your breathing back to what it should be.

Do you practice yoga? Tell us what your favorite music is!

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