Even if you don’t do yoga, you have probably heard that
doing yoga is great for managing stress. You don’t have to go to a class to get
the stress busting benefits, just regularly practice this insomnia and stress
busting yoga pose right before you go to sleep.
Legs up the wall pose, or viparita karani for you yogis out
there, is an amazing pose that re-establishes a sense of balance and promotes a
feeling of calm and wellbeing because it allows the lymph and blood from your
legs to flow with gravity towards your head and heart. This is especially
beneficial if you have tired and/or swollen legs resulting from prolonged
sitting, standing, or travel. This gentle inversion (the legs are above the
heart and head) can help bring relief for a headache, energize your tired body,
or relax your mind to encourage sleep and rest. And don’t worry, you don’t have
to know anything about yoga or even be flexible to do this pose.
To begin, lie on your back with your
hips near a wall and the backs of your legs resting up against the wall so that
your body is in an L shape. If you have really tight hamstrings scoot your hips
further away from the wall until you feel a gentle lengthening rather than an
uncomfortable pull along the backs of your legs. Remember, you want to feel
comfortable and relaxed. You can slide a folded blanket under your hips and/or
rest a heavy folded blanket across your belly and hips. Stay here as long as
you feel comfortable. When you are ready, slowly bend your knees, carefully
roll to one side, and press yourself up to seated. Sit for a few quiet moments
before you get up. Enjoy!
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