Stretches to Help you Sleep Better

My boyfriend and I have been having trouble falling and staying asleep lately. With the start of school just around the corner, this is the worst possible time to be experiencing insomnia! Not to mention sleep deprivation can hinder my weight loss and fitness goals too. I found a few stretches that are supposed to help you sleep better so I thought I would share them in case anyone else is experiencing this too. 

Sleeping Swan

• Sit on floor with pillow in front of you. Bend left knee, bringing sole of left foot to right inner thigh. Lift butt and extend right leg behind you.
• Staying centered, gently hinge forward from hips, placing head on pillow. Extend arms forward, elbows slightly bent.
• Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Roll back up. Switch legs; repeat.
• With each pose, breath in and out to help you relax
• Targets neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs

 

Bridge

• Lie face-up with knees bent, feet flat on floor, arms extended by sides, palms up.
• Keeping shoulders down, engage abs and press into heels to lift hips and back to form a diagonal line from shoulders to knees.
• Hold for 8 to 10 breaths; lower.
• Targets hips and legs

 

Seated Side Bend

• Sit on pillow in a cross-legged position. Place left hand on floor to side of hip, left elbow slightly bent. Extend right arm by ear.
• Lean to left, keeping butt on floor, shoulders down.
• Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Switch sides; repeat.
• Targets neck, shoulders, back, and obliques

Rag Doll

• Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.
• Place right hand on left elbow, left hand on right elbow.
• Bend over from hips, letting arms and head hang down.
• Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Gently roll back up.
• Targets neck, shoulders, back, and hips