Let’s be honest - winter has a way of slowing us down.

Colder mornings, darker evenings, and cosy couches can make it all too tempting to skip your workout and snuggle in. But here’s a winter wellness tip that might just change your mind: movement can significantly improve your sleep.

If you've been tossing, turning, or waking up tired, your body might just be craving a little more activity during the day - and the right kind of movement at the right time.

How Movement Supports Restful Sleep

Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and wake up feeling more refreshed. It does this by:

Reducing stress - physical activity lowers cortisol levels, helping your body relax.
Balancing circadian rhythms - movement during the day helps signal to your body when it’s time to be awake... and when it’s time to rest.
Boosting endorphins - these feel-good hormones keep your mood lifted and your energy steady during the day, preventing that mid-afternoon slump or late-night overthinking.

But timing and type of movement matter - especially if you’re trying to sleep better.

When to Move: Best Times for Different Exercises

Morning: Get Energised with Movement That Activates

Start your day with low to moderate intensity exercises that wake up your body and mind:

• Brisk walking

• Morning yoga flow

• Bodyweight strength training

This kind of movement gets your blood pumping, kick-starts your metabolism, and leaves you feeling alert and ready to take on the day.

Pro tip: A quick 10-minute stretch or yoga flow with one of our yoga blocks or non-slip yoga towels can make all the difference.

Afternoon: Build Strength or Cardio Stamina

Midday is ideal for moderate to high-intensity workouts when your energy and core temperature naturally peak.

• Strength training

• Cycling or running

• HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)

This is a great time to fit in those higher intensity sessions - without the risk of disrupting your sleep later.

Evening: Unwind with Slow, Mindful Movement

Exercising too close to bedtime (especially intense workouts) can overstimulate your nervous system and make it harder to fall asleep. But gentle movement? That’s a sleep game-changer.

Perfect pre-bed options include:

• Restorative yoga

• Slow stretching

• Breathwork or meditation

These activities calm your mind, release tension, and cue your body that it’s time to wind down. Try it using our supportive yoga cushion or a soft grip yoga mat.

Winter Wellness Tip: Keep It Simple, Keep It Regular

You don’t have to commit to an hour-long workout every day. Even 10–15 minutes of mindful movement is enough to boost your mood and set the stage for better sleep.

Start with what feels good:

• A gentle morning stretch

• A lunchtime walk

• An evening flow with a calming playlist and your favourite props

Your Toolkit for Movement & Better Sleep

🧘♀️ Yoga Towels - Soft, absorbent, and perfect for sweaty sessions or gentle evening flows.
🪵 Yoga Blocks - Support your stretches and improve posture.
🧺 Yoga Cushions - Perfect for breath-work, meditation, and deeper relaxation.
🧦 Grip Socks – Non-slip support to move safely and mindfully, even at home.

Final Thought: Sleep Well, Move Often

This winter, let movement be your warm-up to rest. Whether it’s a strong midday workout or a slow, stretchy wind-down at night, your body will thank you with deeper, more restful sleep.

So roll out your mat, press play on your favourite playlist, and move - for your mood, your body, and your sleep.

Ready to move into better sleep? → Shop the Collection