Savasana or Corpse Pose
As you might imagine January is a busy time for yoga classes and here at Inside Out we are no exception.
We have new classes starting and lots of new students feeling the benefits of Dru Yoga. Stress relief, relaxation and energy boosting is probably the main reason people come to Inside Out and is also one of the main benefits our existing students tell us they get from our sessions.
So I thought it might be useful if this week I shared with you my favourite, time efficient stress relieving energy booster.
Just 5 minutes in this wonderfully restorative pose can leave you feeling relaxed yet energised, help you with clarity and focus and is also incredibly beneficial for your spine.
And the benefits don’t end there!
As this posture activates the parasympathetic nervous system (our relaxation response) it will help lower blood pressure, improve your digestive function and take away muscle fatigue.
Prepare to be dazzled!
My wonder posture is…Savasana, the Corpse Pose or in simple terms laying flat on your back!
This posture is often overlooked but it is a “master pose” for traditional yoga practitioners, as it is actually quite challenging to lay still and in perfect alignment, but when you practise your mind, body and soul will all thank you.
So why not try this?
Find somewhere safe and warm, where you can lay on the floor. If you have a yoga mat lay on that and throw a blanket over yourself if you feel the cold.
If your back is not happy, bend your knees to give it extra support. Otherwise let your legs stretch out along the floor, allowing the ankles to relax so the feet flop out.
Let your hands rest either on your tummy, or lay them by your sides with the palms uppermost.
Try to lengthen the back of your neck, head resting on the floor, you may need a cushion if this is not comfy and close your eyes.
Now squeeze and tighten your whole body, from your toes right up to your crown…then with an out breath…relax, consciously relaxing all your muscles, particularly the shoulders, neck and face. Repeat a couple more times.
Now take a couple of slow, deep breaths (don’t force it though) seeing if you can breathe right down into your abdomen, with each exhalation feel your body softening and unwinding.
Stay here for as long as you want, aim for a couple of minutes to begin with, trying to remain still…the only thing moving is the gentle flow of your breath in through the nose and out through the nose.
When you’re ready to return to the world, wriggle your fingers and toes, stretch into your feet and your palms, then release your back – you may need to stretch, or rock from side to side or bring the knees into the chest. Then roll onto your right side and slowly bring yourself up into to sitting.
Smile and stretch and hopefully you are now feeling rejuvenated, calm and serene!
Hope you enjoyed that, more on this subject next time. Oh and I forgot to mention, it’s also anti-ageing!
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