Monday Motivation: 8 Minute Yoga Routine to Sleep Like a Baby

So it looks like it’s Monday again *sigh*, but do not fear, Beauty Buzz in the City is here! Sleep is super important for our health and many of us can admit that we do not get enough sleep or even close to the recommended amount. Start your week off right and get some zzz’s in so you can be well rested and alive during your work week (nobody likes zombies in the office).

So don’t do this at work…

Do this…

So you can sleep like this…

This routine will make it easier to fall asleep and help keep you in a deep sleep; this is much better then hitting your snooze button one too many times in the morning and being late to work. And the best part, the whole thing can be done in bed, so you can fall asleep right away!

Our friends at Fitness Magazine shared this information about an 8 minute yoga routine that will help you get better sleep. Here’s How:

Move #1:
(2 Minutes)
-Sit facing a wall/headboard with your butt about 6 inches away from it
-Lie back and extend your legs up the wall (If this is too intense a stretch for your hamstrings, slide your butt farther away from the wall; If it’s not enough, scoot closer).
-Let your arms rest by your sides, palms facing up, and breathe gently, feeling the stretch in the backs of your legs.

Move #2 “Winding Down Twist”:
(1 minute)
-Sit cross-legged on the bed and exhale as you place your right hand on your left knee and left hand on the bed behind your tailbone
-Gently twist your torso to the left.
-Allow your gaze to follow, looking over your left shoulder.
-Breathe deeply, then return to center and repeat on opposite side.

Move #3 “Nighttime Goddess Stretch”:
(2 Minutes)
-Lie on your back with knees bent.
-Place the soles of your feet together, then let your knees fall open, forming a diamond shape with your legs.
-Rest your arms on the bed.
-If you feel any strain, elevate your legs by placing a pillow underneath each knee.

Move #4 “Child’s Pose”:
(2 Minutes)
-Sit up comfortably on your heels.
-Roll your torso forward, bringing your forehead to rest on the bed in front of you.
-Lower your chest as close to your knees as you comfortably can, extending your arms in front of you.
-Hold the pose and breathe.

Move #5 “Rock-a-Bye Roll”:
(1 Minute)
-Lying on your back, hug knees in to chest.
-Cross your ankles and wrap both arms around your shins with clasped hands.
-Inhale and rock your body up to sit; exhale as you roll back.
-Continue for 1 minute, then roll back, extend arms and legs, and drift off to sleep.