A general rule of thumb is that yoga is best when practiced two to five times a week. Try to practice three times a week on average (at least one hour in each session), but don't overdo it. Muscle tissues need days of rest and time to regenerate. A good rule of thumb for the average person looking to do yoga to improve flexibility is to do 3 to 5 sessions per week.
Although most types of yoga practice can help reduce stress and anxiety, you'll most likely benefit from a Yin yoga class. If yoga is your main physical activity or part of a cross-training program, how much time can you devote to practicing yoga? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself. Claire Grieve, a yoga teacher based in Los Angeles, also points out that with a regular practice of yoga, you're also likely to gain greater natural energy and vitality, a better mood, and the ability to remain calm even when faced with the stressors of daily life. There are many types of yoga, from “strength classes” that require a lot of physical effort to yoga nidra, which is the closest thing to taking a nap while practicing yoga.
If you're making yoga a task that you must complete as if it were a routine task, you might want to reevaluate the number of times you practice yoga per week. The practice of yoga is well known as a natural stress reducer, so if you're one of those who get anxious easily, you could benefit from regular yoga practice. The goal of yoga is to be aware of the state of the body and of the experience that is exclusively yours through the practice of yoga. If you've only just begun to explore the practice of yoga and asanas, the difficult question “how much should I practice yoga to see results” is becoming more and more natural.
If your goal in practicing yoga is to sleep better, the most important question might be when you should do yoga, and not how often. To get the most out of your practice, it's important to find an appropriate balance between effort and rest. It's also important to remember that everyone's body is different and will respond differently to different types and amounts of exercise. Therefore, it's important to listen to your body and adjust your practice accordingly.
