Getting into the right mindset for sleep can be difficult in our technology-driven, fast-paced world, but taking the time to wind down can help you drop off faster.
Yoga can promote restful sleep as it slows your breath, calms your mind, and taps into your parasympathetic nervous system (which is responsible for relaxing your body). You don't need to do a long, complicated practice, either. These four simple poses could help you calm your thoughts and prepare yourself for sleep.
"Hold each pose for a minimum of one to three minutes, or longer if you feel comfortable," advises Nick Higgins, co-founder and head of teaching at Hotpod Yoga.
"You can also listen to guided meditation, to help the mind stay softly focused."
Nick has been teaching yoga for over 10 years and is one half of Hotpod Yoga’s founding duo. His classes focus on both the mental and physical aspects of yoga. His down-to-earth approach and accessibility is what Hotpod is all about, as well as bringing fun and light-heartedness to the practice.
How to do the flow
- Child's pose
- Legs up the wall pose
- Reclining bound angle pose
- Corpse pose
The exercises
1. Child's pose
- Start in a kneeling position with your big toes touching and knees apart.
- Sit back on your heels, extend your arms forward, and lower your torso down, bringing your forehead to the mat.
- Relax your arms by your sides or extend them in front of you. Breathe deeply and allow your body to settle into the pose, releasing tension from your back, shoulders, tops of your feet, and hips.
2. Legs up the wall pose
- Either bring your legs up the wall as you lie back, keeping your hips close to the wall, or place a block or pillow under the lower back area called the ‘Sacrum’ and lift your legs into the air (not using the wall for support).
- Place your arms in a comfortable position, either by your sides or in a cactus shape.
- Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let the gentle inversion promote relaxation and ease your legs.
3. Reclining bound angle pose
- Lie on your back and bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to open to the sides. You can support your knees with blocks or cushions if needed to release any discomfort in the hips. Alternatively, you can bend the knees and let the legs fall together to feel supported and grounding for the lower back and hips, or alternate from one side then to the other.
- Place your hands on your belly or extend them by your sides with palms facing up. Take some nice flowing steady breaths, allowing your body to soften into the pose.
4. Corpse pose
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms by your sides, palms facing up.
- Close your eyes, relax your jaw, and shake your head gently from side to side, easing your neck and shoulders.
- Take a couple of deeper, slower breaths releasing any tension and let yourself drift.
Need some support for your gentle practice? Our guide to the best yoga mats can help.
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