59 – 57 Days Remaining

Moving around a lot from hostel to hostel can often result in me having trouble sleeping. At the moment I’ve not really stayed anywhere in Bolivia long enough to get comfortable so it takes me a while to get to sleep. Therefore I’ve decided to start doing some yoga before bed in the hope of relaxing enough to fall into a yawn and off to sleep land. I really didn’t think it would work but it has. As soon as I start doing a little relaxation routine I yawn and start to feel sleepy, it’s great. Plus it’s a great way of stretching off at the end of the day.

I thought I’d share the routine that I’ve been doing before bed incase anyone out there also has trouble getting to sleep.

As ever the only reason I know about this yoga routine (I think you’re supposed to call it yoga practice but I like routine) is because of the amazing Ipod…which I couldn’t travel without. I’ve got the 101 Yoga Poses app on my iPod (it’s free). I’d really recommend it for anyone who can’t get to a yoga class especially if you’re wandering around the world. It has tons of information on it, lots of routines, pictures and demonstrations. Also it has a countdown clock for each pose, so you don’t need to press next to move on; the app does it for you.

The routine I’ve been doing before bed is the Relax Practice. You really need to see a picture of the pose and read an explanation of it to understand how to perform it correctly. If you’ve got an iPod download the app or Google the pose for more information. (I’ve included 1 picture of a pose, just because I always put pictures in my blogs, not because this will teach you how to do it).

The Relax Practice… (all the poses are seated, so perfect for doing it on your bed as I’m sure there are not many world wanderers wandering with a yoga mat)…

1. Easy Pose

2. Easy Pose with neck stretches

3. Easy Pose with shoulder stretches

4. Easy Pose moving into Seated Side Bend

5. Easy Pose moving into Simple Twist

6. Easy Pose moving into Forward Bend

7. Table Pose

8. Cat Stretch

9. Thread the Needle Pose

10. Sphinx Pose

11. Front Lying Boat Pose

12. Crocodile Pose

13. Child’s Pose

14. Legs Up The Wall Pose

15. Reclining Hero Pose

16. Reclined Bound Angle Pose

 

That’s the last one!  There are quite a few poses to remember but after you’ve done the routine a couple of times it gets easier, without even thinking you can move from one pose into the next.

Reading and writing the names of the poses is hilarious. They really do sound mental especially Reclining Hero Pose. I’ve no idea why they have to have these bizarre names. Don’t let the names put you off. It is a really relaxing routine with some easy stretches thrown in. I also find that closing your eyes whilst you do the pose helps make you feel really sleepy.

I hope it sends you to the land of nod!

Adios!

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♦ Click here to read my previous blog, The Ultimate Dream. All about owning a hostel & foreigners I’ve met who have done just that all around the world.

♦  Click here to read my last blog, all about the South American Electric-Shocking Shower!

♦  Or check out the newly updated section My Travels… Asia. Now including Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand.

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