I love routines. The more structure you create in life the more freedom you have. Routines provide comfort. It may seem like following a schedule or routine is rigid but it actually allows you more flexibility - pun intended. If you have a schedule, you can build in time for play and relaxation. If I know what I HAVE to do then it is much easier to do what I WANT to do. Routines are important for stress levels, sleep health, work related goals, and family connections.
Kai The Yoga Dog
My favorite time of the day is evening/bedtime. I am an early bird. I get up early; I go to bed early. The Hubby and I take Kai out for about 20 minutes of “Zoomies” around the backyard, then we come inside to play and snuggle with her. I brush my teeth, wash my face, put on my pajamas, and wind down with a bedtime yoga practice of about 8-10 minutes. Loving on Kai and gentle movement is great for my mind, body, and spirit as I prepare for bed. It helps to put the day away and sets me up for a good night’s sleep.
Six benefits of yoga at bedtime include:
Reduces insomnia
Weight loss
Improves sleep quality and quality of life
Reduces the anxiety and worry of the day
Promotes relaxation
Soothes sore muscles and joint pain
Legs on the Chair relieves the back and is a great way to relax
Good sleep habits are incredibly important to your health. This is your recovery (from the day) time. Ways to get better sleep include going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, getting regular exercise and eating clean, limiting caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, and avoid using electronics in bed or too close to bedtime in general.
For members, I have a yoga class on my online class platform, Yoga for Bedtime. For everyone, I posted Yoga for Sleep on YouTube and that is another great option to get the Zs. My favorite yoga poses for before bed include breathing exercises that extend the exhale and legs up the wall.
Madison demonstrating Legs up the Wall pose
My online platform is available to members for $12/$45/$55 a month depending on your membership. There is a free 3-day trial to check it out. I add new recorded classes each month. My private clients also have access to the library of videos. This is a great resource to supplement your in-person class. I record these videos with your needs in mind (and lately Kai has been joining in on the fun!) Let me know if there is a topic, condition, or body part you would like me to cover/research more.
This is all great information and advice. I am pretty routine in most of my daily life, but see room for improvement. I want to get better at putting my walking and yoga on my calendar. Thank you!