Did you know that lying down on your back with your feet up against a wall for 15 minutes a day can help improve your circulation and overall health?
True.
As we become more self aware as a society and embrace self-care practices, we are learning more about our bodies and how small daily changes can make a big impact.
Scoot a pillow, yoga bolster or cushion of some kind up against an open wall, sit on it with your legs parallel to the wall and your hip touching it. Then swoop your legs up and lay on your back, heels on the wall. If your lower back is uncomfortable, take away the pillow. Try not to think about how you’ve been meaning to change the paint in this room for 15 minutes while you close your eyes, relax your hands on the floor palms open, ready to accept the gifts giving yourself this time will bring, and breathe.
That’s it.
To safely come out of this pose, roll onto your side to lay a moment in the fetal position and when you are ready, push off the floor with your palms and slowly come up to sitting.
Namaste.
This 15 minute reset let your mind and nerves rest while giving your heart the break it needs. With your feet up in this inverted pose, you are letting gravity do the work for your circulatory system. John Hopkins also recommends elevating your feet above the level of your heart to aid in treatment for varicose veins.
Giving yourself time to breathe, with or without meditation, calms the mind and reduces stress. Pranayama, or breathwork, is an easy first step in self-care. You deserve this time and with it you can recharge your mind and body.
You can make this a routine before work, on lunch breaks if you work from home, in the bath, on your bed with your feet on the headboard or on your living room floor swapping a wall for a couch. Any way you do it, it’s time set aside for you. Take it and enjoy!
