Nidra is sleep and during this time our mind has thoughts or vrittis. These sleep thoughts are unconscious and we have no control over them. However, what we can do is have a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is vital to our health and wellbeing and what we do in our waking hours helps to lay the foundation for a good night’s sleep.
Here are a few things that I do that help me sleep well and it starts with how I wake up 🙂
- I wake up without an alarm (I think it’s the light and birds that wake me)
- Before getting out of bed, I pause to be grateful for another day
- I drink a mug of hot water with ginger and get ready
- I meditate and read
- Then I check my phone
- I have my breakfast and go for a quick walk round the block (ensuring I get outdoor daylight helps my body clock and my sleep later)
- During the day I don’t have any caffeine after 3pm
- About an hour before bed, I brush my teeth etc.
- I leave my phone downstairs
- I lie in bed and focus on my breath. If my mind is distracted, I bring it back to my breath or mentally talk myself through a body point relaxation. I also have a note pad on my bedside if I need to remember anything for the next day.
- I then fall into blissful sleep……
From this routine its clear to see that my sleep is more about what I do in the day rather than the end JGood sleep requires work and we shouldn’t expect our bodies to simply switch off.
Our yoga practise helps our bodies get into good habits. Our asana helps release tension in our bodies and bring strength when we need it. Our breathing helps us to be present and our relaxation trains our bodies to wind down. Yoga equips us with many tools to help us live a great life!
I’d love to know any tips you have to help you sleep.
