A stiff neck or an aching back maybe even a tight hip could all be an effect of how you sleep. There are several solutions but the most common fix to this is to do away with the pillow. It is believed that the rest of the body gets in a better posture without the pillow. However, for someone who is used to 4 pillows, going without a pillow could worsen their sleep.
A yoga posture called “savasana”. This pose helps in calming the mind and body. It aids in the optimum functioning of the central nervous system, digestive system and the immune system. In addition to that, it it facilitates in promoting and awakening higher consciousness & may also reduce stress and anxiety.
Steps to do the “savasana”:
- Lie down on your back.
- Slightly separate your legs and relax. Let your feet fall to either side.
- With your arms slightly away from the torso, open up your palm and let them face upwards. Allow the fingers to curl in.
- Release any effort of the body holding up and relax your whole body.
- Breathe naturally. You may catch your mind wandering off, but steer you attention back to your breathing… just be aware of the flow and let it be.
- Stay in this position at least for ten minutes.
- Bring your knees to your chest and roll over to one side. You could use your arm as a pillow, while you rest in the fetal position for a few more breaths.
- Use your hands for support and bring yourself back to the sitting position.
The intention is not to sleep in this asana however, it’s about recovering your posture and relaxing your entire body. Take your time and practice increasing the time you spend doing this gradually. This may eventually improve the quality of your sleep and posture.
