A simple somatic practice for bedtime (to prepare for deeper and restful sleep)

When there is chronic stress accumulated in the system- and for system I mean the nervous system, fascia, organs, muscles and cells - your body is in a constant state of tension.

We don’t notice this, as we are often disconnected from the body in order to cope with carrying so much pressure and tension. We are bracing and don’t even know it.

At bedtime we tend to brace too. Lying down in bed, when we are meant to be unwinding, we continue with the bracing pattern. We don’t know how to fully relax and allow our bodies to be held on the mattress.

🌟So here is a somatic practice to help with this:

When you are in bed, lights off, ready to go to sleep.

1😴 Notice the surface of your body touching the mattress.

2😴Where can I feel resistance in letting my body be held by the mattress? Where do I notice bracing?

3😴 What place/s in my body feels ok or neutral right now?

4😴 Focus on one part of your body that feels ok or neutral and see if you can let yourself be supported by the mattress from that place.

And from this space invite the rest of your body to let go on the mattress.

I would love to hear your experience after trying this.