Bedtime Yoga

It's Wednesday evening and I am finally sitting down after a long day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are always super busy for me, I don't usually get home until after 7pm as I have the horse. I love riding but through the winter it is hard, it's not so fun riding in freezing conditions and in the dark! However, I can see light at the end of the tunnel so to speak, as the night are getting longer. So soon it will be all about long hacks in the evening through the flowering fields ~ I can't wait! I also went out for a run this morning and worked a seven hour day so I think I might need to collapse into bed early with a book tonight :) On a slight side note we are currently listening to the Jake Bugg album which is well worth picking up if you haven't heard it, my personal favourite song from the album is Seen It All. So today I wanted to chat about a Bedtime Yoga routine I have been trying out recently.

We all lead busy (and sometimes stressful) lives. Late at night things can play on your mind and keep you awake no matter how tired you are, but did you know that yoga before bed can be one of your best defences against insomnia? By calming your body and mind you are putting yourself in a better position for a restful nights sleep. 

These are the simple yoga poses I have been using before I settle down for the night ~ 

All these poses help to relax your muscles, stretch them out and let your body know that it is time to wind down. I especially like the legs up and shoulderstand poses as they encourage the blood to drain out of your tired legs and feet and your nervous system gets the signal to slow down, which aids stress relief and recovery. Yoga can also help with digestion and circulation. I have found that bedtime yoga relaxes me and helps me get a better nights sleep. I also think it is great to have an evening stretch if you have had a hard workout in the morning, as it helps your muscles recover and rebuild quicker. You will also find that you are not as sore the next day. 

Give it a try tonight, you might be surprised at how much Bedtime Yoga can help you relax and de-stress :)

Photos from Pinterest edited by me.