This week we bring you four new classes to help fall asleep, have wonderful dreams, and awake recharged and clear for wonderful days.
When you were a little kid, you probably battled your parents to stay up as late as possible and avoid an early bedtime. As you transitioned into adulthood, sleep still seemed optional: there can always be so much to do! And, once upon a time, when you were ready to go to sleep, you could lay your head on the pillow and drift off to dreamland. If you are lucky, falling asleep still comes naturally.
For many of us, insomnia is an occasional or chronic issue. Our world is zooming at warp-speed and keeping up can launch our nervous systems into overdrive or the “fight or flight response.” Despite physical and mental exhaustion, the minute we try to go to sleep, an endless reel begins playing through our brains. We’re unable to shut off the movie documenting every detail of our day or the issues we’re contending with at any given moment. Sleep is essential for us to rejuvenate and heal our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Yoga to the rescue! With the appropriate yoga practice, you can learn to not only tire out your body, but also quiet your mind and calm your heart for a solid night’s sleep.
By utilizing specific postures and pranayama or breathing techniques, you can once again sleep like a happy baby. This week, we’re thrilled to offer four new classes that range the entire spectrum of the sleep process, to drift you off to sleep, to dream powerfully, and to awake and start your day refreshed.
First, it’s important to practice more restorative practices in the evening to tap into the parasympathetic nervous system and quiet the overactive mind. Postures like Vipariti Karani (Legs up the Wall) or Suptha Badda Konasana (Reclined Butterfly) work to calm your energy so you can relax and drift off to sleep. We highly recommend going to bed with Jackie Casal Mahrou's Yoga for Better Sleep class.
Second, taking the time to release what’s weighing on your mind is vital for sleep filled with positive dreams. Forward folds are cooling, calming poses and aid in letting go of the chatter. They say dreams are an indication of what’s percolating in our subconscious—release the stress and invite in the positive things bubbling under the surface. Deepen you dream experience with the latest from Shy Sayar - Dream Yoga.
On the flip side, we’ve got a unique new class you can practice without getting out of bed. Imagine setting yourself up for a beautiful day before your feet even step onto the floor. Try Morning Yoga in Bed with Shy Sayar.
Finally, we’ve got an excellent new class, yoga to enliven the start of your day: Morning Yoga Fix with Jackie Casal Mahrou.
Experts recommend practicing first thing in the morning so you can ensure you get your yoga in before the demands of a busy day. You’ll set yourself up to approach your day with a calm and energized state of mind.
Remember during this holiday season to take the time to relax and renew your energy with soothing practices and deeper sleep. G’night!