Is It Good To Do Yoga or Meditation After 3 Hours of Taking Food?

Many yogis and meditators are often asking themselves if doing yoga or meditating after 3 hours of taking food is beneficial? A majority of individuals are of the opinion that some time should be given to the body for the digestion of food before they indulge in any strenuous form of exercise. Research has shown that the release of the digestive enzymes reaches its peak within 1 hour after eating, and during the next 4-5 hours, the digestion is completed. Generally one should be able to do yoga but not strenuous forms this time, helpful are asanas that aid in digestion, and not the ones that include too much physical effort, and the same also holds for meditation. What are the specifics of this situation?

Is it Good to do Yoga or Meditation After 3 Hours of Taking Food?

It is widely believed that it is beneficial to perform yoga or meditation after 3 hours of having their meals. The reason for this is that at the end of three hours, digestion is complete, and the body will be left with no other tasks but to concentrate. Yoga and meditation are soothing methods of stress management that not only relax the body but also calm the brain and minimize anxiety as well.

What’s more, it is quite gentle and restful also, can be the activities of yoga and meditation. As far as the physical benefits are concerned, the activities help in balancing the body, improving flexibility and strength, and increasing one’s control of the body. They also are insomnia fighters, and they facilitate body detox. Besides all these advantages, participation in yoga or meditation after 3 hours of eating is a fantastic idea.

Benefits of doing yoga or meditation after 3 hours of taking food.

1. Improved Digestion.

One of the health benefits of yoga and meditation is that they can soothe the mind and body resulting in an improved digestion process, which in turn, can give birth to a series of positive outcomes including higher levels of energy, sharpness, and overall wellness.

2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety.

The regular and proper performance of yoga and meditation proves to play a big part in the process of lowering an individual’s stress level and anxiety.⁽¹⁾

3. Improved Concentration.

If you do yoga or meditation after having a meal, it has a potential to improve your concentration, memory and mental sharpness.

4. Improved Sleep Quality.

Regular practice of meditation and yoga are some of the most effective means to alleviate stress and anxiety, which in consequence, can help improve the quality of sleep.

5. Improved Immune System.

Engaging in yoga or meditation not only is a good way to de-stress, but it is also a technique to enhance the immune system of the body as it can decrease the production of stress hormones and trigger the body’s natural healing process.

6. Increased Strength and Flexibility.

Practicing yoga or meditation after having a meal can strengthen and make the body more flexible and agile.

7. Improved Posture.

Adhering to the habit of yoga or meditation can be an effective method of posture correction, which can also help to increase muscle strength and length. 

8. Improved Mental Clarity.

Yoga or meditation enables a person to be in a relaxed, calm, and concentrated state, which clears the mind and removes all the mental clutter, thereby leading to increased mental clarity.

Precautions While Practicing Yoga or Meditation After 3 Hours of Taking Food.

• Drink enough water before and after yoga or meditation to hydrate the body.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothes that you can move in effortlessly.
• Refrain from consuming heavy food for three hours before doing the practice.
• In case you are full or bloated, do not go for deep postures or breath work.
• Respect your body and rest as much as you need.
• Practice in a room where you feel comfortable and it is well-ventilated.
• Try to have a qualified teacher next to you if you have the option.
• If you are doing yoga or meditation by yourself, set a specific time and period to practice.

Also Read: Surabhi Mudra: Benefits, Side Effects, Types and How To Do

Some best yoga poses After 3 Hours of Taking Food.

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana).

Get into standing position with your feet together, and your arms relaxed by your side. Place your hands together in prayer position near your chest. Inhale deeply lifting your hands as high as you can while still holding your breath. As you exhale, you can relax your arms to their original position.

2. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana).

Begin the position by standing and perform a forward fold by bending your hips. Place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart and then take a step back to move into a high plank. Push close to your spine and towards the roof, ensuring the legs are at a thirty-degree angle to your back. Ensure your arms are still extended and tight by keeping a straight back and pressing your chest against the tops of your thighs.

3. Child’s Pose (Balasana).

Get on the floor and place your feet and knees together. Now sit back on your heels and then lower your forehead and chest to the floor in front of you as you extend both of your arms forward with the palms facing down. Breathe out and concentrate on your breathing, let your body be filled with relaxation so that the pose can be done effectively.

4. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana).

Begin the yoga pose by lying flat on your stomach with your legs spread behind your back. Rest your hands on the ground next to the chest and then by using your hands, push your chest upwards from the mat without lifting your belly off the floor. Keep your elbows a little strained and your shoulders pressed back down and away from the ears.

Also Read: Reclining Hero Pose: Benefits, How To Do and Precautions

5. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana).

Sit down on the floor and extend your legs straight in front of you. As you breathe in, lift your hands up over your head. Exhale and hinge from your hips to fold forward and bring your chest to your thighs. Reach your toes for 5-10 breaths and keep the pose.

The Bottom Line.

A wise and timely choice for both meditation and yoga post-meal practices may provide a good deal of benefits in many ways to the general public. This is based on the fact that it can contribute to the reduction of tension, promote a high level of concentration, and create a state of happiness and relaxation for the mental and physical self. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the amount of food one has consumed and the energy that is left stored for the person concerned is actually a determinant when engaging in such activities.

There are a few rules with no easy answers, leading to the question of whether doing yoga or meditation an hour or two after a meal, even if you are still full, is a matter solely of personal choice. Hence the final decision regarding either eating or not doing yoga or meditation lies with the individual.

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