We already know how great yoga is for our body and overall health. Yoga can help you relax, keep your muscles flexible and improve your sleep. Yoga can help you improve your sleep because it allows you to release the tension you’ve built throughout the day and prepare your mind and body for a quality sleep.
Here are 7 exercises that can help you sleep like a baby:
1. Standing Forward Fold
Stand with your feet 6 inches apart. Fold your torso over, reach towards the ground and grab the opposite elbows above your head. Exhale and lengthen down through the crown of your head. Hang and hold for 20 seconds Gently sway from side to side.
2. Sleeping Swan
Place a pillow in front of you and sit on the floor. Bend your left knee and bring your sole of your left foot to your right inner thigh. Lift your butt and extend your right leg behind you/. Gently hinge forward from your hips and place your head on the pillow. Extend your arms forward with your elbows slightly bent. Hold the pose for 10 breaths. Roll back up and switch legs.
3. Up The Wall
Sit facing a wall and lie on your back. Place your butt as close to the wall as possible. Lift your legs and rest the back of your legs against the wall. Rest your arms out to the sides with your palms up. Hold this pose for 15 seconds.
4. Before Bed Bridge
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Place your feet flat on the floor with your arms extended by your sides with your palms up. Keep your shoulders down, engage your abs and press into your heels to lift your hips and back in order to form a diagonal line from your shoulders to the knees. Hold the pose for 10 breaths and then lower our back.
5. Happy Baby
Lie on your back with your legs lifted and knees bent. Your feet should be flexed towards the ceiling. Grab the big toe of each foot with each hand and further bent your knees towards your armpits. Rock gently left to right. Hold the pose for 15 seconds.
6. Seated Forward Fold
Sit on the ground with your back straight. Your legs should be together and stretched out in front of you. Flex your feet and bend forward from the hips, reaching your toes. Hold this pose for 15 seconds.
7. Corpse Pose
Lie down on your bed. Place your legs slightly apart and stretched out in front of you. Your arms should be long by your sides with your palms up. Focus on your breathing and close your eyes. Hold the pose for 15 seconds or until you fall asleep. Sweet dreams!