Sleep and stress can be a vicious cycle, the more stressed you are the more you need sleep, but may not be able to rest because of said stress. So it’s not surprising to find that sleep deprivation is a major source of stress for U.S. adults. One solution to calming your body before sleep is yoga. Yoga lowers your stress levels and calms the mind and body. Here are some specific sleep-inducing poses you can try before bedtime.
Easy Forward Bend: Start by sitting on the ground, and placing your legs in a criss-cross position over each other. Stretch your arms high above your head and then bring your hands all the way down onto the floor in front of you, bending at the waist. This pose helps open up the hips and creates a sense of ease.
Standing Forward Bend: Stand with your feet about six inches apart and bend at the waist reaching toward the ground. This can help relieve head aches and lower your stress level
Child’s Pose: Sit on the floor with your legs tucked underneath you, bend at the waist and put your arms and head on the ground. Make sure the take long deep breaths. Much like the easy forward bend pose, this particular one relieves tensions and helps to calm the mind.
Plow Pose: Lie on your back, lift your legs over your head and onto the ground behind you, placing your arms on your back for support or the floor. Staying in this pose for one to five minutes to help fall asleep
Legs Up the Wall Pose: Lie on the ground and prop your legs up on a wall, with your bottom as close to the wall as possible. You can stay in this pose for up to five minutes, taking long deep breaths. This pose is perfect for relaxation and stress relief.
Corpse Pose: Simply lie down on your back with your arms at your sides. This is the prefect pose for bedtime, make sure to pay attention to your breathing and clear your mind.
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