Stretches for the Evening

Why is it important to finish the day with yoga?

Stretches in the evening help your body and mind to relax. Much like washing your face or brushing your teeth before bed, we want to give our muscles, bones, endocrine system, and nervous system a chance to be “clean” before bed. It’s a great way to let go of the details of the day and welcome sleep.

1. Belly Breathing (for awareness in the body, scanning it)

2. Neck Stretch (to let go of any tension through the trapezius---a place where tension loves to hide and accumulate)

3. Lying Spinal Twist (to wring out the spine from top to bottom---one of the four directions we have to take our spine for back health)

4. Baby Pose (like Child’s Pose, it induces relaxation and calmness)

Why do our bodies feeling different throughout the day?

Our bodies are full of different rhythms throughout the day---times when they’re active and inactive. Studies have shown that:

1. Our spine is a better shock absorber in the morning than the evening, while the strength of your back muscles increases as the day progresses.
2. Our joints are stiffest early in the morning and most flexible late in the afternoon
3. Our airways are open to the fullest extent at 4pm.