We all know by now the terrible health implications of not getting enough shut-eye; and it ain’t pretty. Weight gain, chronic crankiness and hormone imbalances are classic signs of someone who isn’t getting enough rest, and it’s enough to make you feel pretty down and out on life in general.
As of late, we’re really focusing on how we can work on having the best sleep ever, and just like all good things in life, yoga plays a huge part in this as well. Keep scrolling for some of the most calming, soothing and relaxing yoga poses that’ll help you nod off to La La Land quicker than you can say, Namaste.
Cat and Cow Pose: Marjaryasana and Bitilasana
An old faithful, and one that can soothe your fraught parasympathetic nervous system into a state of luxurious relaxation. For Cat, simply exhale as you tilt your head and the tailbone down to the ground, arching your spine into a C-curve and pulling shoulder blades apart.
Inhale into Cow Pose by bringing the crown of the head and the tailbone up toward the ceiling, hollowing out the lower back. Flow between these two poses, moving with your breathe and creating space between every vertebrae.
Childs Pose: Balasana
Sink your hips back to your heels with your big toes touching and place your chest between your thighs. With your forehead resting on the ground, stretch your arms out as far as you can, and stay here, focusing on your breath for as long as you need.
Happy Baby: Ananda Balasana
Bring both of your knees into your chest, grasp your two big toes with the index and middle finger. Then pull the heels up to the ceiling, keeping the tailbone down on the ground. You can rock back and forth to gently massage the spine whilst concentrating on your breath and letting the stress of the day slip away.
Legs up the Wall: Viparita Karani
Bring your tailbone as close to the wall as you can, and unfold your legs straight up the wall. This pose is a dream for relieving symptoms of fatigue, and will have you feeling ready for a snooze in no time.
Corpse Pose: Savasana
AKA, the best part of any flow. Let your feet fall down to the corners of your mat, letting the toes fall open to the sides. Release your hands so that palms are facing up, then give in to the heavy, relaxed tranquility that Savasana creates.
