Sometimes sleeping well and waking up happy is so hard. You might enjoy trying one or more of these easy yoga tips to discover a simple routine to balance your body and mind to have a restorative sleep and happy wake up!
*Make sure you’ve sweated and laughed already that day and if not, you could go on a walk before bedtime and make sure to laugh!
*Avoid a heavy meal just before bedtime since a lot of your energy will go to digesting instead of resting.
*Drink a cup or two of water before bed – dehydration can disturb the sleeping mind.
*Wash your feet in cold water to get your nervous system ready for relaxation and afterwards give them a little massage with oil or lotion.
*Take 5-10 minutes to stretch your back, shoulders and legs. You could try one or all of these: Frog Pose, Bridge Pose, Baby Pose
*Try Shabad Kriya (meditation) before bed.
*Try a warm cup of chamomile tea or mint tea before bed – Bedtime Tea by the Yogi Tea company or by Traditional Medicinals are my family’s favorites.
*Dab a few drops of lavender oil under your nose and put on some soothing music and soak (for 15 – 20 minutes) in a warm bath infused with your favorite bath salts.
*When you’re in bed, lie on your right side: this automatically opens your left nostril to cool, soothe, and calm your nervous system. You could close your right nostril with your right thumb or index finger and breathe long and deep through the left nostril for one to three minutes. For children, you could count five to ten long, deep breaths. Once you feel drowsy, turn over onto your back, side, or your preferred sleeping position. Continue long, deep breathing until asleep.
For more yoga tips on a restful sleep and happy wakeup: 3HO.org ~ Sleep