We all know that yoga helps with many things such as stress relief, flexibility, and deep breathing. But did you know that doing your practice before bed could magnify these benefits?
If you are the ultimate yogi, doing yoga before bed can ensure you get the most out of it and help you reap the benefits all night long.
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Increase Your Blood Flow
Whether you had a long day of work or school, raising your oxygen levels and strengthening your heart muscles are important aspects of everyday health. Doing yoga before bed will increase your blood flow and allow you to get a better night's rest, restoring your body for your next busy day.
Relax Your Muscles
There is nothing worse than lying in your comfy bed and having your legs or back cramp up.
Yoga before bed will help stretch out your muscles, releasing any tension created from sitting in front of your laptop and writing at your desk all day. Plus, it helps you relax your shoulders, neck, legs, and more! Ease the aches and pains with yoga stretches so they don't interfere with your sleep.
Forget About Your Worries
Sometimes movies, TV shows or video calls with friends just don't help your brain stop thinking. Yoga's mindful breathing techniques help you to empty those negative thoughts and stressors, shedding the things that keep your mind running.
Going to bed without a "mental flush" will create difficulty falling asleep or a restless night. De-stress with yoga before bed by breathing out those worries and mental stressors from your day.
Gets You off Your Mobile Devices
One of the biggest culprits for difficulty with sleeping is looking at screens and browsing your social media channels before dozing off.
Take the time to part ways from your devices before bed. Set your phone aside, get in touch with your body, and focus your energy on restoring your feelings. By staying present in your body and forgetting about your mobile device, you will be better able to wind down before bed.
A Few Yoga Poses to Consider
If you are not up for an entire yoga practice, consider these poses before jumping into bed!
- Cat and cow: Find this pose by going on all fours. The cow is when you arch your back and lift your head. The cat is when you hollow out your stomach and tuck your head toward your chin to meet your chest. Continue to move between these two poses.
- Child's pose: To do this pose, start by sitting on your knees. Reach your arms out in front of you and rest your forehead on your mat.
- Vajrasana: This is a seated pose with you sitting on your knees. Sit back to rest your tailbone on your heels and place your hands on your knees.
- Shavasana: End your practice with this pose. Lie flat on your back and place your hands on your stomach or lay them by your sides. Close your eyes and connect to your breath.
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Emma Iammarino is a digital marketing intern at Sixth City Marketing and a fourth year at Ohio State University. She loves to write, dance, spend time with friends and consume all things peanut butter! Catch her on Instagram and Twitter @emma_iammarino.