- 21 Nov 2023
- Ms. Juhi Chaudhari
Exercises for good sleep
A good night's sleep can seem like a faraway dream amid the busyness of our modern lives, where worry and anxiety frequently take centre stage in our minds. The age-old discipline of yoga, with its all-encompassing approach to health and wellbeing, provides a calm route to both physical fitness and a deep, revitalizing sleep. This post will discuss how adding yoga poses to your daily practice can help you sleep better and more peacefully.
1. Relaxation Techniques: Being able to unwind both mentally and physically is the cornerstone of getting a decent night's sleep. Use relaxing methods like progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises to start your pre-sleep routine. Prior to going to bed, techniques like "Nadi Shodhana" or alternate nostril breathing might assist calm the nervous system and induce relaxation.
2. Mild Asanas for Better Sleep: A number of yoga positions are specifically created to help the body become more relaxed and ready for sleep. Include a few calming poses in your evening practise, like Corpse Pose (Savasana), Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani), and Child's Pose (Balasana). These poses assist in releasing tension, calming the nervous system, and letting the body know when it's time to relax.
Some yoga asanas designed to pave the way for a peaceful and rejuvenating sleep.
- Child's Pose (Balasana): Use this pose to start your path towards a peaceful night's sleep. This soft forward bend promotes a surrendered and introspective attitude while also stretching the hips and back. Let the stress melt away as you fold forward, laying the groundwork for a restful night's sleep.
- Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): The legs-up-the-wall stance, also known as viparita karani, might assist you in opening up to a gentle wave. This pose reverses blood flow and promotes circulation, both of which promote relaxation. Leaning your legs against the wall helps you rest after a busy day by calming your nervous system. This is a terrific posture to adopt before bed.
- Corpse Pose (Savasana): No bedtime yoga routine is complete without Corpse Pose. This final relaxation pose allows you to fully integrate the benefits of your practice. Lie on your back, release tension from head to toe, and focus on your breath. Savasana signals to the body and mind that it's time to let go, creating the perfect transition to a restful slumber.
- Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): This pose stretches and releases the back. This pose promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system and massaging the abdominal organs. Breathe deeply as you bend forward and experience the calming affects on your physical and mental selves.
- Reclining Butterfly (Supta Baddha Konasana): This pose opens the hips gently and helps alleviate tension in the lower body. Place your feet together, lie on your back, and bend your knees to the sides. This healing stance opens your mind and body to a peaceful, deep slumber that won't be disturbed.
- Bridge Pose: Setu Bandhasana, also known as Bridge Pose, is a backbend that is both invigorating and calming. As you raise your hips, concentrate on breathing smoothly and evenly. This will help release any tension that has built up in your body and prepare you for a more restful sleep.
3. Mindfulness Meditation: Sleepless nights are frequently caused by a crowded mind. A fundamental aspect of yoga is mindfulness meditation, which promotes the practise of being present and letting go of distracting ideas. Before going to bed, set aside some time to sit comfortably, pay attention to your breathing, and give your thoughts some space. This straightforward yet effective technique will greatly raise the calibre of your slumber.
4. Deep Relaxation with Yoga Nidra: Also referred to as "yogic sleep," Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation that creates a state of alert relaxation. This technique produces a deep sensation of tranquilly by methodically directing your focus to various bodily areas. Include a Yoga Nidra practise in your bedtime routine to help you relax and prepare for a good night's sleep.
5. Creating a Consistent Routine: Whether using yoga to promote healthy sleep, consistency is essential. Create a consistent evening routine that incorporates your yoga practise. By doing this, you let your body and mind know when it's time to switch from the day's activities to a restful sleep.
In summary:
Yoga is a mild yet effective ally in the pursuit of a restful night's sleep. It offers a complete method for reaching the calm required for restful sleep since it combines attentive breathing, calming positions, and relaxation techniques. As you set out on this adventure, keep in mind that the first step towards restful sleep is to purposefully incorporate yoga into your everyday schedule. Accept the practise, relish the moments of quiet it offers, and see how each yoga breath leads you to a restful and revitalising sleep. For those who set out on this contemplative journey, sweet dreams are in store.