Equations: growing up, in schools they were all part of mathematics and learning, and my favourite part was ‘hence proved’. In life also it’s all about equations, what relates to what, how to achieve the desired results, what fits where, and ultimately hence proved. Today I am presenting to you an equation, ‘Yoga Before Bed = Good Sleep’.
I concur that exercising right before bed is to be avoided as it actually stimulates the mind and keeps you awake and energized, and yes, Yoga is an exercise as well. Now, let’s look at it in this way, sleeping is relaxing, and you will agree, yoga is also equal to relaxing. So, we can say, Yoga is equal to Sleeping. Only if it was that simple I would be a mathematician, but I am not!
In commoner language, there are certain poses in Yoga that when practiced in bed before sleeping, will relax you and let you sleep better, rather than twisting and turning in bed all night, and in any case, it is better than checking your phones practice. Here is a list of 5 poses for you to try and test our theory on your own:
Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani): This one is such a relief. Sometimes after standing for hours, your feet are almost cursing you, and with that, sleep becomes a little elusive. This pose takes off the pressure from your feet and relaxes them. Just lie on your bed and put both your legs straight up against the wall. Position your hips close enough to the wall where you feel comfortable. Hands besides your hips facing upwards. Gently breathe in and out. This relaxes your whole body, restoring calm.
Reclining Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana): It doesn’t get easier than this, just lie straight, you can put a pillow under your neck, and then bring your legs together, soles of feet touching each other and closer to the shin area. Hands at your sides, gently try to make your knees touch the ground, you may put a pillow under your legs for support. Focus on your breath, and this calms your nervous system, releases tension and hence good night.
Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana): This one does wonders for abdominal regions and calms the mind and relaxes the body. Lie down on your back, bend your right knee and cross it across another leg. Hold it with the left hand and rotate your neck and look at the right hand. Shoulders should be flat touching the bed. Repeat with another side.
Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana): Lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Hold your feet with your hands. Open your feet and push the heel up while restraining them with your hands. This among other benefits induces relaxation.
Corpse Pose (Savasana): The ultimate restorative relaxing pose. You lie down straight, hands at sides facing upwards. Close your eyes and let the healing power of breath travel through your body. This will put you to sleep mode like no other.
You can try these poses but check out their restrictions if you have anybody pains first. If not, go ahead, give them a shot and sleep like a baby. Come back and tell us ‘Hence Proved’.