Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, teacher of the 5-Minute Yoga Challenge
Paula Roberts in her home studio where she teaches Online Yoga Classes

Start Your Day Right: The 5-Minute Morning Yoga Challenge for Beginners

So you’re looking for a super quick yoga practice—chances are, you’re looking for a super quick blog post to tell you what to do too! So let’s not waste time with a fluffy intro.

Let’s get straight to it! In just five minutes, you’ll stretch, breathe, and start your day on a calmer, happier note. This 5-Minute Yoga Challenge is simple, approachable, and totally doable—even if you’ve got a busy morning ahead.

5 Yoga Poses to Jumpstart Your Morning

Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, teacher of the 5-Minute Yoga Challenge in Downward Facing Dog in a teal room with yellow accents
Even Yoga Teachers bend their knees in Downward Facing Dog—and that’s totally OK!

1. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

This one’s a yoga classic. It stretches your hamstrings, calves, and shoulders, and gets your circulation moving. Forget about perfection—just aim to press your hands into the floor and lift your hips high focusing on length in the spine.

Why it works: It wakes you up and gives your brain a boost of energy.

Paula Roberts Happy Yoga Wales in her home studio doing Child's Pose teaching yoga online
Use cushions and blankets to make Child’s Pose a true resting pose for your body.

2. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Think of this as your “pause” button. It gently stretches your lower back and hips while giving you a moment to slow down. Perfect for easing into your practice without feeling rushed.

Why it works: It’s a low-effort pose with maximum relaxation benefits.

Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, teacher of the 5-Minute Yoga Challenge in Cat Pose in a teal room with yellow accents
Cat and Cow Pose-the purr-fect pair! Move slowly between the two positions to mobilise the entire spine.

3. Cat Pose (Marjaryasana)

Ready to wake up your spine? Inhale as you arch your back and exhale as you round it. This rhythmic motion helps release any stiffness from a night’s sleep.

Why it works: It feels amazing and preps your back for the day ahead.

Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, teacher of the 5-Minute Yoga Challenge in Cow Pose in a teal room with yellow accents
If you only do ONE thing on your yoga mat, make it Cat-Cow!

4. Cow Pose (Bitilasana)

The partner to Cat Pose, this move helps stretch your chest and strengthen your back. Drop your belly, lift your gaze, and feel the stretch.

Why it works: It balances Cat Pose, giving you a full range of motion for your spine.

Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, teacher of the 5-Minute Yoga Challenge in Low Lunge in a teal room with yellow accents
Why save Low Lunge for the mornings? Try it throughout the day to counter the effects of sitting.

5. Low Lunge Pose (Anjaneyasana)

Spend a lot of time sitting? This pose is your antidote. Step one foot forward, drop the opposite knee, and sink gently into a lunge to stretch your hips and thighs.

Why it works: It opens up tight hip flexors and leaves you feeling stronger.

Thumbnail of the yoga challenge with Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, teacher of the 5-Minute Yoga Challenge in a teal room with yellow accents
Watch on YouTube or download the challenge video FREE from Happy Yoga Wales

Why 5 Minutes Is Enough

You don’t need an hour-long session to feel the benefits of yoga. Starting with just five minutes makes it easier to build the habit. Over time, you’ll notice your body feels looser, your mind calmer, and your mornings more manageable. Think of it as a small step that leads to big changes.

An image of the PDF Tracker of the 30-day yoga challenge and a photo of Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, in Child's Pose.
Want more yoga? Join the Online Yoga Membership for just £10/month!

How to Get Started with your FREE 5-Minute Morning Yoga Challenge:

1. Watch the Video

Head over to YouTube and follow the 5-minute sequence. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for beginners. Don’t forget to hit “subscribe” to stay inspired!

2. Download the Tracker

Stay motivated by grabbing your PDF tracker from Happy Yoga Wales. Check off each day you complete the challenge and watch your streak grow

3. Take It Offline

Prefer practicing without distractions? Download the video from the Happy Yoga Wales Store and watch it anywhere—no Wi-Fi needed.

4. Join the Membership

If you’re ready to go beyond five minutes, my Online Yoga Membership has you covered. With a video library packed full of movement, mindfulness and more, you’ll find everything you need to stay consistent and feel your best.

Paula Roberts in her studio with detilas on the online yoga membership £10 per month
Want more yoga? Join the Online Yoga Membership for just £10/month!

Keep It Fun and Flexible

Yoga isn’t about nailing the perfect pose—it’s about feeling good in your body and mind. Celebrate every wobble, every stretch, and every small win. This 5-minute morning yoga challenge isn’t just about the poses; it’s about creating space for yourself, one morning at a time.

So, roll out your mat, press play, and let’s make mornings better together.

See you on the mat for Less Stress & More Yoga!

Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, smiling outdoors wearing a leopard print scarf.

About the Author

Hello! 👋🏼 I’m Paula Roberts, Head of Happiness at Happy Yoga Wales!

I am a passionate advocate for accessible wellness with over 20 years of experience in education, first as a fully qualified school teacher, and now as a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance International, a Level 3 Personal Trainer, and certified Laughter Yoga Leader.

With a busy mind that’s always buzzing, movement has been my go-to for finding calm and clarity. Yoga has been my anchor, helping me slow down, reset, and thrive. It’s my mission to share that with you through my approachable and down-to-earth teaching style. Find out more about my journey here.

See you on the mat for Less Stress & More Yoga

Paula 😃🙏

Practice with me! 😃

Before you go, I’d love to invite you to join my online movement & mindfulness classes!

Sunrise Stretch classes are donation-based live yoga classes with 20 minutes of movement followed by 10 minutes of mindfulness or other amazing well-being practices like Laughter or Face Yoga. You can also join me on replay by subscribing to the online Video Library for just £10 per month!

Details of the online yoga classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7am and an image of a woman smiling at the computer screen

Whether you’re 8, 80, or anywhere in between, there is something for every busy mind at Happy Yoga Wales!

As well as diving into my guided practices on YouTube, you can join us live at classes and courses in North Wales and upcoming events throughout the UK!

And if you’re interested in bringing the benefits of yoga, laughter, face yoga and mindfulness to your community or workplace, get in touch for a private session tailored to your needs.

Did you see us on TV? 😃 Check it out!

Paula Roberts, Happy Yoga Wales, teaching Laughter Yoga on TV in a picture collage with Ricky Thomlinson and Sue Johnson

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