We all know what it feels like to be over-tired. That spacey “I just can’t stay awake and my patience is wearing thin” feeling. Or those glassy-eyed “I must be coming down with something” or “I just don’t have the energy” feelings.
Without proper rest, our bodies can’t thrive. Our brains don’t have the energy to cope with difficult decisions or complicated projects. Our sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive, putting stress upon our hearts. Our immune system takes a punch and we’re often left feeling anxious or negative.
At this point, no magic pill, protein bar, or energy drink can restore our vitality without nature’s essential ingredient…rest.
Fortunately, there are several practices that we can follow that promote rest. Here are a few:
Establish Healthy Eating Patterns
Eating your largest meal in the afternoon and leaving your smallest meal to dinner frees up your organs to detoxify and revitalize while you sleep. You will feel more rested when you wake up.
Nourish with Healthy Foods
Feel satiated with a yoga diet full of healthy, unprocessed, whole foods and plant-based proteins. Avoid sugar, caffeine, and spicy foods that are too stimulating, especially after noon.
Warm Your Meals
Focus on warming your meals, except for salad, for a couple of weeks until your sleep feels more restful. Eating warm meals can be very soothing and therapeutic for light sleepers and those who suffer from insomnia.
Evening Foot Rub
The nervous system runs just underneath the skin and responds well to massage. Heat a spoonful of raw sesame oil. Rub it on the palms of your hands and work it into your feet. Rinse your feet afterwards with warm water and pat them down with a soft towel.
Practice Yoga Rest
Yoga Nidra (yoga rest) is a wonderful ancient technique that gives you a simple method for reaching a deeply restful state. Wai Lana’s Yoga Nidra CD allows you to experience inner peace, calmness, and clarity and it promotes harmony in body and mind. Listen to it before bed to promote a restful night’s sleep, or practice during the day to catch up on much-needed rest.
