We all have days that feel too long, too busy and are, quite simply, just a bit too much. Whether it’s working too hard, playing too hard or a bit of both, it can be tricky to loosen up and let go of the stresses and strains of the day. And our bodies bear the brunt. 

We sit at our desks for hours on end; hunching our neck and shoulders over our keyboards, put our muscles and joints through their paces in the gym or exhaust our body and mind by running and rushing around trying to do a million things at once. By taking some time to focus on these calming, winding-down stretches you can not only soothe your limbs but empty your mind and leave the stresses of the day far behind.

This article is part of our 14 days to Soulful Sleep masterclass, your holistic guide to a better night’s sleep, developed with Dr. Shelby Harris. For expert tips on how to improve your sleep, or to start the full plan, with daily videos, advice and challenges revealing the small habits that make a big difference for sleep, click here.