At some time or another, we have all had that feeling of not being able to drift off come bed time. Whether you have a high-stress job that keeps you up all night or you simply struggle to switch off then this article is for you. We are looking at 7 Yoga poses that help relaxes you and help you achieve that much needed refreshing sleep. These positions specifically help your body and mind relax and achieve a better and deeper sleep.
Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose)
For this pose sit close to a wall and lift your legs directly above your hips and your arms outstretched either side of you. This pose has many benefits such as relieving symptoms of mild depression, insomnia as anxiety. Hold this pose for 3 minutes.
Siddhasana, variation (Adept’s Pose, variation)
Sit on top of a folded towel or pillow with your legs crossed, inhale and lengthen your spine, as you exhale twist to face behind you, using one hand placed on the thigh to support you whilst the other placed on the floor behind you. Continue to inhale and elongate your spine then exhale and twist deeper into the stretch.
Repeat this on both sides 1 minute each.
Siddhasana (Adept’s Pose)
Sit with your back straight, spine elongated and your legs crossed so as your ankles line up. With eyes closed and hand resting on your knees with index fingers touching. Focus on the rhythm of your breathing. Inhale and lengthen your spine and exhale. Practice this pose for 3 minutes.
Reclining Twist
Lie flat on your back then bring up one leg bent towards your chest. Use your opposite hand placed on the outer side of your knee and pull down across your body reaching out with your other arm and facing you head towards it. When getting into these stretch positions take a deep breath and on the exhale push through the stretch repeating this and allowing you to get further into the stretch each time. Repeat this stretch on both sides.
Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
Lie back with eyes closed and palms facing up as you inhale and bring your knees up, exhale and let your legs fall freely either side whilst keeping the soles of your feet touching each other. With each exhale allow your self-move deeper into the stretch. Hold this position for around two minutes.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This position is a great resting pose helping to calm and relieve tension in the body. Simply sit with on your knees and exhale folding your torso moving your head to rest on the floor, extend your arms out in front of you resting your palms on the ground. Take long deep breaths in this pose
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
To finish off lie flat on your back palms facing upwards, and your legs slightly separated very much likes its given name the corpse pose the idea is to totally relax every muscle. Hold this pose for around 3 minutes.