Insomniac like us suffer while trying to sleep, and it’s worse as it becomes a daily chore. Most often, however, the most successful ways to fall and stay asleep include natural remedies. One of these remedies is to practice yoga- especially certain yoga poses that are known to help insomnia.
1) Supported Child’s Pose
Child’s pose is one of the best supported poses to rest in, and great for calming the nervous system. This pose can be modified to suit whatever feels best for your body. Kneel down on the floor and slowly lower your chest down until it rests on the ground with your arms by your side. Breathe in and out slowly, and allow your breath to be your guide for relaxation for 5-10 minutes.
2) Reclined Cobbler’s Pose
The Reclined Cobbler’s pose helps to release tension in the hips and lengthen the spine. From the seated position, bring the soles of your feet together with your knees opening wide. Lie back using a cushion or pillows and adjust the soles of your feet until you are comfortable. Stay in stillness and relax for 5-10 minutes.
3) Legs up the Wall Pose
The Legs up the Wall pose helps to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Start by sitting close to a wall, and lie down with your legs propped up against the wall and your bottom close to the wall. Be sure to keep your legs close together for the duration of the pose. Place your arms at ease and stay in stillness for 5-10 minutes.
4) Corpse Pose
The Corpse Pose helps to relax the body, mind, and soul. Lie down flat on your back with arms by your side and palms facing upward. Let your breathing be the guide and rest in this position for 10 minutes or longer if possible. This helps to cultivate a sense of peace and surrender throughout the body.
5) Seated Forward Fold
The Seated Forward Fold is a great pose to stretch out the body and still the mind. From a seated position, bring your legs out in front with your feet flexed. Slowly begin to fold forward from the waist and reach for your shins, feet, or ankles. Remain in this pose for 5-10 minutes.
6) Happy Baby Pose
The Happy Baby is a gentle hip opener that can also be very calming for the entire body. Begin by lying on your back, and bring your knees into your chest. Open your knees slightly out to the sides and grab your ankles or feet with your hands. Rock back and forth gently and hold this pose for 5-10 minutes.
Yoga is known to help insomnia, and these 6 poses in particular can bring a sense of peace, stillness, and mindfulness. Give each of these poses a try and see if they provide you with some relief!
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