If you watch any YouTube video as part of a playlist or ‘mix’, YouTube overrides your autoplay settings and automatically plays a video after the one you’re watching even if you have autoplay switched off. To get around this you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/a1j2Uhzc08s or click 'share' below the video and copy the link to a new window.... - this will not autoplay another video...and protect your sleep! (make sure autoplay is also off – there’s an autoplay button at the bottom of the video from a laptop or in ‘settings’ on the mobile app.) _____________________________________
In this meditation we’ll be using breathing to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and repair mode) helping your body to get a proper night’s rest.
Ingrained muscle tension and shallow breathing habits can prevent your body from fully switching off from a nervous system 'stress response'. This has an impact on virtually every system in the body. By taking the time to release muscle tension, breathe deeply before sleep you’re helping your body restore -- by providing the internal conditions your body needs for a healthy immune system, digestive system, helping to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels as well as support the repair and function of every organ and system in the body.
What if you meditate and you still can’t sleep!?... Even if you don’t find that you’re able to get as much sleep as you’d like, simply by meditating you’re changing your inner chemistry in the form of hormones and neurotransmitters… Less sleep in repair mode can leave you feeling more rested than lots of sleep in stress mode! So if you suffer from insomnia relax, knowing you’re doing something great for your body simply by meditating, from your skin to your bones and everything in between. ________________________________________________________________________
breathing during the meditation.....
During the meditation for a few minutes we'll be pausing between breaths. This is one of the ways you can most effectively influence your nervous system. The key here is not to hold your breath so long that it feels awkward, uncomfortable or makes you feel anxious. Just let the breath naturally pause, gently extend the natural rest between breaths.
The more relaxed you are the more natural this will feel, if it feels strange at first don't worry at all, you can micro-pause for a very short time and you might find if you repeat the meditation the pauses become natural longer and feel more natural. The pauses between breaths don't have to be long to have a hugely positive effect on your body. So let the breath rest for as long as feels comfortable and natural.
We'll also be doing some deep breathing. If you struggle to breathe deeply, just breathe as deeply as feels comfortable for you and don't worry if you're doing it right or wrong. _____________________________________________________________________
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Vocal and original music by Caroline McCready Copyright 2021, all rights reserved (it is illegal to copy or use any part of the audio from this video) Video licensed by iStock
