"Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees". ~BKS Iyengar
Sometimes the stress and obligations of life can mount up to a point where sleep doesn’t feel like a productive way to spend your time. We’ve all been there, tossing and turning, getting tangled in your covers as you try your best to wind down your mind and ease yourself to sleep. It’s a super frustrating thing to go through, but there IS a solution -- yoga!
A great way to shake off the restlessness could be as simple as taking some time to focus on your breathing. This works to calm the parasympathetic nervous system and counteract the stress hormones that are coursing through your body. The addition of restorative poses to your practice is just the cherry on top of a recipe for a good night's sleep!
Enjoy this 10 minute bedtime flow (.but you can take as long as you want)....
Start in a seated position with your legs cross, then drape your arms in front of you and bend into a seated forward fold. Take a few deep breaths. This is great for opening up the hips and creating an overall sense of ease.
Slowly make your way to a standing position, then bend forward again for a standing forward fold. Bend the knees as much as you need to in order to feel a satisfying release.
Make your way to child’s pose. Massage the forehead against your mat by slowly shaking your head back and forth.
Take a seat with your legs in front of you, then rock your way back to plow pose. Take deep breaths and stay in this pose anywhere from 1-5 minutes.
Move toward a wall, lay on your back and lift your legs up vertically. Use the wall as support for your butt and the back of the legs, then spread your arms out to either side and relax. This pose has a soothing quality and is perfect for bedtime.
Twist it up to release any extra creaks and cracks that are still hiding inside you. Try either a seated spinal twist or a supine twist.
Lean back to reclined butterfly for a final hip opener. If you want, grab some blankets or pillows to place between your knees and the floor for some extra support.
Finally, turn your body on sleep mode by taking a few moments in Savasana. Focus on your breathing and try to picture the day’s stress melting away.
Learn more about how yoga can help you with sleep, mental health, and many physical issues (including high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or just feeling stiff) by scrolling through this month's class Yoga for Stress Relief.
Experience the benefits of Yoga for yourself this March.....
- Beginner's: Join my FREE live virtual intro kick-off class on 3/6 & 30 poses in 30 days challenge by registering here.
- Advanced beginners - Intermediate, Join me for 3-weeks of classes this month here & get FREE access to my Ayurvedic inspired challenge "off the mat".
- Pregnant moms can join "Intro to Prenatal Yoga" by registering here.
PLUS, start class with a new Yoga mat or one of our newly released leggings from February...
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PS......This is the last week to join my 21-day sleep challenge so you're ready when you lose an hour of sleep 3/13. It'll start right away when you click here.
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