Sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being, yet many people struggle with sleep problems that can lead to various side effects such as fatigue, irritability, and reduced productivity. To combat sleep issues and improve sleep quality, incorporating yoga asanas (poses) into your routine can be highly beneficial. Yoga promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and helps calm the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Child's Pose (Balasana) - This is a soothing and restorative yoga asana that offers a range of physical and mental benefits. To practice this pose, begin by kneeling on the floor with your big toes touching and knees apart. Sit back on your heels and exhale as you fold your upper body forward, extending your arms in front of you and resting your forehead on the mat. Your chest should rest on or between your thighs, and your arms can be stretched forward or relaxed by your sides. Balasana is a great pose for relaxation, stress relief, and gentle stretching of the back, hips, and thighs.
Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana) - In Ananda Balasana, you'll find yourself resembling a happy baby, hence the name. It is a playful and relaxing asana that helps open up the hips and relieve tension in the lower back. To practice this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat. Exhale and draw your knees toward your chest. Then, grab the outsides of your feet with your hands, flexing your feet so they are parallel to the ceiling. Your arms should be on the inside of your knees, and your knees should be bent to approximately 90 degrees.
Gently rock from side to side to massage your spine and lower back. This pose is excellent for stretching the groin, hips, and inner thighs while promoting a sense of relaxation and calm.
Corpse Pose (Shavasana) - Corpse Pose, known as Shavasana in yoga, is a deeply relaxing and meditative asana that serves as a final resting pose at the end of a yoga session. To practice Shavasana, lie flat on your back with your legs extended and feet comfortably apart. Let your arms rest by your sides, palms facing up, and fingers naturally curling. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to settle into a state of relaxation.
Shavasana is designed to help you release physical and mental tension, allowing for complete relaxation of the body and mind. It promotes a sense of calm, reduces stress, and enhances self-awareness. It's often considered the most important part of a yoga practice, as it allows you to integrate the physical and mental benefits gained from your session.
These Yoga asanas are helpful in making you relax and sleep well at night. However, it's essential to listen to your body, practice under the guidance of a qualified instructor, and be mindful of your limits. With proper guidance and awareness, yoga can be a safe and rewarding journey towards improved flexibility, strength, and overall well-being, coupled with a healthy sleep routine and other good sleep hygiene practices.
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