YOGA STRETCHES TO DO BEFORE BED

Ease into a restful night with a quiet yoga practice focused on deep breathing to calm your mind and release physical tension. This combination of breath and movement activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which aids in counteracting stress.

Ahead, six resting and inversion poses that can be particularly helpful for combating restlessness and insomnia, especially when practiced in the evening or in bed before getting some shut-eye.

These stretches will assist in relieving the stress of the day (which is ultimately pent up in your muscles, no doubt) so that you can have a restful slumber.

Stretching helps to tame tension both physically and mentally, as it relieves tight muscles while tricking your body into feeling more relaxed. Be sure not to overdue these moves, especially if you're wound pretty tight. Stretching should never be forced...listen to your body! You should be able to relax into a stretch. Know if you're in pain, if so, you're doing it wrong.

1. SEATED SPINAL TWIST

With one leg crossed over the other, throw the elbow opposite our top leg over the knee as you twist your body at the waist.

2. UPWARD DOG

Lie down on your stomach with your hands placed palms down beside your shoulders. Slowly extend your arms to lift yourself up.

3. PRANAYAMA (BREATHING)

With your legs crossed in front of you and your hands resting on your knees, begin regulating your breath using techniques like ujjai.

4. SEATED FORWARD BEND

Sit down with your legs extended in front of you. Slowly bend over and touch your forehead to your shins (or get as close as you can).

5. TREE POSE

Standing with your arms at your side, shift your weight to one leg while slowly lifting the other to rest the sole on the inside of your opposite thigh. Lift arms and bring palms together over your head and balance.

6. THREE-LEGGED DOG

Starting on your hands and knees, gently lift yourself up into a downward dog pose. While holding your balance, slowly lift one leg up and extend as far as you can to feel a full stretch from both your hands and toes.

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