By Dami Kim
Do you often find yourself lying awake at night, unable to calm your mind enough to fall asleep? This scenario is common and can be attributed to various factors such as stress from work, a hectic travel schedule, poor eating habits and excessive screen time before bed. These factors can contribute to a pattern of poor sleep, eventually leading to insomnia.
Fortunately, there’s hope even if you’re struggling with restless nights. The key lies in learning how to redistribute your energy so that it’s not overly concentrated in your brain. Although it might not seem immediately problematic, having too much energy focused in your brain, rather than being distributed throughout your body, creates an imbalance. This imbalance hinders the rest of your body from relaxing and rejuvenating properly.
Understanding the need to balance energy within the body leads us to practical solutions. It’s not just about recognizing the problem, but actively seeking ways to restore harmony and promote relaxation. This is where simple yet effective physical exercises come into play. They offer a direct method to counteract the imbalance caused by mental hyperactivity. One such exercise, known for its simplicity and effectiveness, is the Toe Tapping Exercise. Let’s explore how this straightforward activity can be a key tool in your journey towards peaceful sleep.
Here’s how you can try this exercise:
Step 1: Finding a Comfortable Position
Lie down on your back. It’s recommended to lie on the floor, perhaps on a yoga mat or carpet, to maintain proper alignment of your back.
Step 2: Relaxing Your Body
Rest your arms comfortably by your side with palms facing up. Begin by taking a few natural breaths, inhaling and exhaling smoothly, to bring awareness into your body.
Step 3: The Toe Tapping Movement
Bring your legs together so that your big toes touch. If they can’t touch, just bring them as close as possible. Then, move your feet apart, aiming to bring your little toes towards the floor on each side. This action should look like you are tapping your big toes together, side by side. Ensure that the movement involves your entire leg, allowing you to feel it up to your hip joints. This helps relax any tension in your legs. Perform this tapping motion 100 times.
Step 4: Mindful Relaxation
After completing 100 taps, pause and feel your body. Notice any sensations, such as warmth, pulsation, or tingling, and where they occur. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly and deeply through your mouth. Repeat this breathing pattern three times, visualizing the gradual release of muscle tension with each breath. This marks the end of one set. Repeat the toe tapping and breathing sequence until you feel yourself drifting towards sleep.
Dami Kim is a wellness expert with 25 years of experience in brain and emotional wellness, and chakra balance. She’s a sought-after wellness speaker and brain management consultant. Visit info.bodynbrain.com/wellness