Sometimes it’s hard to make your way to a yoga class—I get it. Especially coming back home after an hour-and-a-half hot class drenched in sweat. Today I am actually taking a class at 7:30pm, but for those who do not feel trekking to a studio to take a night class, here are some poses you can do in the comfort of your living room or bedroom. Plus, all poses I’ve chosen will help you sleep better (you can thank me now).
1. Child’s Pose (Balāsana)
During class, this is always the pose I allow my students to come into if they’re feeling overwhelmed. This pose calms the mind and body and allows your introspection.
2. Plow Pose (Halāsana)
Staying in this pose for about five minutes will help you fall asleep faster, says Yoga Journal. Lying down on your back, lift your leg ups and over your head. This is an inversion, meaning your heart is above your head, changing the flow of blood—and energy—throughout your body.
3. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanāsana)
A lot of people can’t touch their toes, and that’s OKAY! Just being in this posture and letting gravity do it’s job feels nice. Here you can grab opposite elbows and swing side to side. It also feels good to shake your head “yes” or “no” while in this posture.
4. Legs-Up-The-Wall (Viparita Karani)
Like plow pose, having your legs up reverses the flow of blood in your body. Our legs help us and carry us throughout the entire day. They are constantly under pressure and stress. Therefore, laying on your back with your legs up the wall takes the load off.
5. Happy Baby (Ananda Balāsana)
Although it looks super sexual and I can’t do this in front of my friends without being given a porn star name, happy baby pose is really comfy. Opening your legs wide and drawing your feet into your armpits allows for a stretch in the hips and groin. I usually place this at the end of my yoga classes.
6. Reclining Goddess Pose (Supta Baddha Konāsana)
Either called reclining goddess pose or reclining butterfly pose, this posture helps you rest. Laying down our your back, bring your legs out in front of you. Bring both heels together and let the legs splay open; for a deeper stretch, bring the soles of the feet as close to your pelvis as possible.
7. Corpse Pose (Savāsana)
Honestly, this is one of the hardest poses in yoga. It really requires you to let go and not pay attention to anything else but your body. Relax your entire body: it sounds easy, yet it’s actually pretty damn challenging.