Discipline in Yoga: It’s Not About 5 AM Routines

Discipline in Yoga ≠ Forcing Yourself Into a Routine That Doesn’t Fit

Discipline in yoga isn’t about waking up at Brahma Muhurat, drinking herbal water, doing puja, and following a rigid checklist of perfect habits. Yes, if that works for you, that’s great. But for many, forcing a lifestyle that doesn’t resonate with their body can be more harmful than beneficial. I see so many reels glorifying early mornings as the only way to practice discipline—but here’s the truth: Discipline is consistency, not punishment.

A Morning Practice Should Support You, Not Strain You

As a yoga teacher in Thane, my mornings are simple: 

☀ Wake up 

💧Drink water & cleanse 

🧘🏽‍♀️Roll out my mat, chant for a few minutes. That’s it.

No pressure. No force.

Instead of seeing divinity in rituals alone, I see it in my students, in my breath, and in the work I do. Yes, circadian rhythm matters—but if waking up at 5 AM leaves you feeling exhausted all day, what’s the point? Your nervous system thrives on balance, not exhaustion.

Breaking Free from Generational Conditioning

I think about our mothers’ generation. They woke up before sunrise, managed household work, cooking, and family responsibilities, all while being told that “sleeping in” meant being lazy.

• “It’s 9 AM, and breakfast isn’t ready yet?”

• “I made methi laddoos today—what did you do?”

• “Tch, tch… she won’t wake up before eight.”

I remember wishing my mother would just sit with me after lunch, let the curry dry on her fingers, and talk—instead of rushing to clean up before I’d even finished eating.

The constant need to keep up, to do more, to wake up early no matter what—what does that do to the nervous system? Let’s change that narrative.

Listen to Your Body, Not Just the Clock

❌ Can’t do morning classes? Take an evening session instead. 

❌ Need extra rest? Stay in bed longer—your body heals in sleep. 

❌ Puja at 10 AM or no puja at all? Fine. Feel Ishwara’s grace in your heart, in your breath, in your work.

There’s no shame in listening to your body.

Yoga is not a checklist of habits; it’s a practice of self-awareness.

Food, Routines & Finding What Works for You

• Nuts and herbal water may be great for some, but for others, a simple plate of idlis provides all the energy they need.

• Some people thrive on structured schedules, others need fluidity in their routine.

• Discipline isn’t about following trends—it’s about consistency, self-trust, and long-term well-being.

No Scoreboard. No Competition. Just Your Journey.

In a world obsessed with "doing it right," let’s redefine what discipline means:

✅ Show up for your practice—whatever time works for you. 

✅ Listen to your body’s rhythms—they matter more than external rules. 

✅ Be consistent, not rigid—true discipline is about commitment, not suffering.

Your yoga journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Trust yourself. Move at your own pace. That’s the real practice.

Looking for a Supportive Yoga Community?

At Priyog Wellness Thane, we focus on authentic, mindful yoga that honours your personal rhythm. Whether you're looking for yoga classes in Thane, private sessions, or restorative workshops, we provide a nurturing space for every kind of practitioner.

👉 Join Us at Priyog Wellness