Having hard time falling asleep? Here is one thing you definitely need to know

After a tired, busy day you come on your bed thinking finally you have some time for yourself to relax leading into a peaceful good night's sleep. You are so tired and fatigued that you are really looking forward to having a good night's sleep. Whatever your bedtime ritual may be like browsing through your social media, reading, having some conversation with your loved ones, after setting up an alarm and switching off the lights, you have a hard time switching off the thoughts or the to do's for the next day. Incase if you are dealing with any specific issue at work or in your personal life, it becomes difficult to stop thinking about it. You lying in your bed tossing and turing but you have trouble falling asleep. If you are having one of such times then practicing Paschimottanasan (seated forward fold) can help you relax into a good night's sleep.

How to do it

• Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and toes flexed towards you.

• Keep your spine as straight and comfortable as you can

• As you inhale lift your arms up

• Add length to your finger tips

• As you exhale draw your navel closer to your thighs first and then fold from your upper back.

• Rest your palms wherever they reach. It’s could be your shins, big toes or wrap them around your feet depending on your personal flexibility levels.

• Closing your eyes take a few deep breaths and relax

Beginner’s tip

Do not force yourself to bend forward beyond your existing flexibility levels.

Benefits

• Paschimottanasan helps to calm the mind

• Relieves stress and anxiety.

• Reduces fatigue and induces relaxation

When should you practice this?

If you know you have had a hectic, stressful day, then after you reach your home or hotel room (incase you are travelling) set aside some time to practice paschimottanasan

Hope this helps!

Peace,

Mrudul

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