3 SIMPLE YOGA POSES

3 SIMPLE YOGA POSES FOR RELAXATION & SLEEP

There are so many different types of yoga practices. Personally I have always loved the gentler types like yin- and restorative yoga because it helps me balance out my busy everyday life by tuning in to myself and finding my inner calm. 

Today I want to share with you 3 super simple yoga poses that are great to in the evening before bed or whenever you need to de-stress. Yoga should never be painful so don't do anything that doesn't feel right to you. Remember to breathe, be present and kind to yourself when practicing it. 

CAT/COW:

This is really two poses combined and they blend perfectly together.

Start this pose by standing on all fours with your knees directly under your hips and your hands directly under your shoulders (called the neutral table top position). Engage your core stomach muscles and as you inhale, go into CAT pose by slowly tucking your tailbone and belly in, and gently arching your back. Your neck follows naturally so you look in towards your stomach. Imagine the movement starting at your tailbone, travelling naturally up the spine and ending at the top of your head. 

As you exhale, we go into COW pose. Gently tilt your pelvis, push your heart forward and up, lifting your gaze to look straight ahead. Push your shoulders away from your ears. Take your time and engage your whole body. Repeat 3-5 times.

I love this pose because it can help stretch and strengthen your back, massage your internal organs and reduce stress.  

CHILD'S POSE:  

Walk your hands a little in front of you and widen the distance between your knees. On the next exhale, push back with your hands and send your sitting bones back to kiss your heals. Let your chest melt down and rest your forehead on your mat, relaxing your arms. You can put a pillow between your legs here if you feel any discomfort. Take a few deep breaths in child's pose.  

Child's pose is a gentle resting pose that stretches the hips, thighs and legs while calming the mind and relieving stress and tension.

I like to end with a short meditation. 

My husband took these photos at the beach last summer. When I'm surrounded by toys in the living room I like to close my eyes and imagine I'm right back there. Yoga doesn't need to be about fancy headstands or practiced in a luxurious resort to feel good! Sometimes its just about taking a few minutes to tune in to yourself and find your calm.

Wishing you a relaxing evening and great night sleep tonight. 

Namaste.