wake up, wind down gentle yoga video
Yoga in bed, because what’s better than getting some movement sans leaving the coziest of nests? This sequence has in mind the groggy morning soul with achy muscles, who might want to feel their bodies enliven but not with a need to slow the breath. The shapes target muscles typically locked up when first awakening, AND muscles fatigued at the end of a long workday (particularly for those desk-bound). So, this practice works for any and all stages of the day.
Digestive Benefit
The rolling and twisting movements highlighted in this flow stimulate a sluggish gut by “wringing” the internal organs and providing fresh blood flow once a twist or bend is released. Overnight, all body processes slow, and among other physiological phenomena, blood sugar levels drop significantly. Light movement awakens the energy centers and helps safely stabilize the blood sugar, preventing prolonged grogginess and any lightheadedness which may result from leaping out of bed too quickly. Similarly, at the end of a day the body may be weighed down by consumed foods, especially if the diet is less than prime. Heighten stress levels also disrupt nutrient absorption and digestive efficiency. Yoga, while not necessarily a cure-all for chronic problems, can in the immediate lessen indigestion or a general heavy-feeling in the abdominal region. Happy gut = better immunity, improved sleep quality, and more regular body functions.
Tension Reduction
Most of us, in the present, house increased stress levels catalyzed by current events in the world. Stress locks up muscles as they prepare themselves for an inevitable “fight or flight” circumstance – think of it like a coil ready to spring. The pumping motions of raising the arms upwards then letting them drift down loosen tightened fibers and create space in the ribs for freer breath movement. The stagnancy of sleep, too, clenches muscles, explaining neck kinks and knotted backs. Cat-Cow is one of the best posture series’ for soothing mental worries and for opening both the front and back bodies, so I included a pair of variations to target slightly different regions.
Thus, friends, please enjoy this week’s flow. Move faster or slower as you need. Hold longer, or for shorter periods. This practice is yours, as all practices are. Just remember to breathe.
