How Long Should You Wait To Drink Water After Yoga?

How Long Should You Wait To Drink Water After Yoga?

The Art of Hydration in Yoga: When, Why, and How Much to Drink - By Beth Rush

Reading time: 4 minutes

Water and yoga always go together since they improve your overall well-being. However, there’s always the grand question of when to drink after performing yoga. 

When to Drink After Yoga

Are you drinking water too soon after doing your yoga exercises? Are you holding back for too long and dehydrating yourself? Well, the answer is simple. 

It’s recommended to wait 30 minutes to drink your water after doing yoga. Some people may recommend waiting hours or so, but just having an initial half-hour before taking a drink is enough. After all, it’s natural to feel parched after undergoing your routine.

If you’re wondering why it’s important to give your body a bit of time after going through the exercise, it’s because you’re building up ushna (warmth) in your muscles throughout the routine. It’s important to let that heat recede naturally and allow your body to rest prior to drinking water.

Rather than waiting to drink after yoga, try to make it a habit to hydrate before going into your yoga routine. Letting your body undergo plenty of stretching and moving can trigger sweating and get your body dehydrated quickly. Having your water ready and taking a few sips ahead of committing to your routine means preparing for perspiration.

Other Water and Yoga Considerations

Drinking water before and after yoga is a wise practice, as it can help limit any fatigue and dehydration. Granted, it’s natural to have other questions on what you should consider when it comes to drinking water after yoga to ensure your wellness. 

1. Yoga Practice

There are many types of yoga exercises you can explore, such as asana (sitting meditation) and restorative yoga. If you’re concerned about dehydration, reassess whether your body can take more vigorous practices like hot yoga.

Hot yoga can offer a positive emotional experience, but a hot and humid environment can take a toll on your body. Do your best to stay well-hydrated when doing this type of exercise to steer clear of exhaustion.

2. Water Quality

Bottled water has different labels that indicate their water quality according to their water purification method. For instance, purified water is filtered water and sparkling water is naturally carbonated water. When you’re done with doing yoga, it’s important to drink water that’s been removed of any impurities.

3. Water Amount

In general, it’s encouraged to drink around eight cups of water daily to stay hydrated. After yoga, it’s tempting to drink whatever liquids you have in your water bottle when you’re thirsty but try to be mindful of drinking too much. Excessive water intake can cause an imbalance in your body’s system, so don’t drink more than you need.

4. Water Temperature

Many bottles endorse keeping water cold, but you may want to skip getting ice-temperature drinks after yoga. Cool water can counter the ushna of your body when practicing yoga. This can lead to catching a cold, trigger allergies and much more. Go for room-temperature water after your session instead.

Hydrate After Yoga

Keep yourself hydrated with water after doing yoga, as well as throughout the week. By doing so, you’ll keep your body well-maintained to continue your exercises. Remember the information above before drinking from your water bottle.

Beth Rush

Beth is the mental health editor at Body+Mind. She has 5+ years of experience writing about behavioral health, specifically mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.