The Heavy
Image via Baloo
I'm a trained yoga instructor and former yoga studio manager. Now that I'm working at a tech company, I miss being in the wellness world. I don't even have time to attend classes being that I'm on mommy duty when I'm not at work, which is a total bummer. I try to look on the bright side and sneak in yoga teachings and the occasional posture in my day to day, whether it's doing a little bedtime yoga with the girls or resting in a restorative pose while "playing" with my kids. But one of the best tips I've carried with me since leaving the yoga community is using a folded or heavy blanket, coined "a heavy" by yours truly.
Attending a YogaWorks class years ago, I perked up when the teacher told us an anxiety reducing trick: While lying on your back, perhaps in Savasana, place a folded blanket on your thighs (and/or full legs and middle section, or even whole bod) and chill. It works.
Often when I'm hanging out watching TV (doesn't happen as much as I'd like since having babies) and especially when I go to sleep, I need a heavy. In recent years I've been using a faux fur blanket we received as a wedding gift. However, it gets hot. I crank the AC no matter the season and always wake up in the middle of the night way too warm.
Then, Instagram targeted me with weighted blanket ads - and it worked. A few different brands popped up on my feed but I was most enticed by Baloo: "eco-friendly luxury weighted blankets." The Baloo website states:
A weighted blanket molds to your body like a gentle hug. The pressure relaxes the nervous system and encourages serotonin production, which lifts your mood. When serotonin naturally converts to melatonin, your body takes the cue to rest. This means a calmer mind and deeper sleep for a healthier life.
I received my blanket Monday night and after a recent bout of trouble falling asleep, I'm back on track. Climbing into bed under my weighted blanket feels SO cozy. I felt giddy going to bed the past couple of nights. And miraculously, my Baloo blanket doesn't make me hot. I didn't even turn on the AC last night. The Baloo feels heavier yet sleeker than the faux fur, and it blends right in with my Parachute bedding. (I purchased a duvet in oatmeal.) My only qualm is that now hubs is trying to steal it from me. I made the mistake of ordering a throw/twin size blanket. Time to upgrade so we can share. Time for Savasana.
AES