Yoga instructor Morgan Balavage recommends making this restorative pose the first and last thing you do every day. "Your tired legs are using gravity to drain lactic acid and excess fluid toward your kidneys," she explained. Meanwhile, "your aching back muscles are sighing at the firm support of your floor and gradually relaxing." In the evening, this stretch helps you relieve stress and ease insomnia, while in the morning, it can energize.
- Sit down as close as you can to the wall. Lie down on your back, place your feet on the wall with your knees bent, and scoot your butt against the wall.
- Extend your feet straight up, resting your heels on the wall. Keep your arms by your sides or by your head (this position will stretch your shoulders).
- Close your eyes and allow your entire body to relax, feeling gravity pulling you down as the wall supports you, holding for five or more breaths.
