Do you find yourself a little tense these days? You may find that your stress levels are up, and worry is robbing you of sleep. You may see the beginnings of health-related conditions that are associated with stress. These health conditions include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Although we cannot always stop the cause of our stress, we can control our response. I find I need self-care to unwind, deal with stress, anxiety or just relax. It may surprise you to know that yoga can help, and you may sleep better, too. Yoga? Relaxing? Yes! For those of you that remember yoga as head stands and pretzel moves, it may surprise you to learn the benefits of restorative yoga.

What is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative yoga is unlike the yoga you may have tried or seen. It is a style that is suitable for all levels, including beginners, to promote relaxation physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is a style of yoga that you can do on the mat or in a chair to promote the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is the part of your nervous system that helps you rest, heal, and restore balance. This slow-paced practice focuses on holding the poses in stillness and deep breathing.

A restorative class may be slow moving, focusing on breathing and passive stretching. It may be fewer postures than you have experienced in the past. The emphasis is on a calming practice, slowing down, opening your body, and relaxing the mind.

Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Holding the asanas (poses) for longer periods and connecting to a deeper breath helps stimulate the relaxation response. This response can help in health-related ways, such as reducing blood pressure. This type of yoga has been studied and scientific evidence has been found to back up the benefits. Other benefits that may be helped with this type of yoga include:

·       Chronic pain

·       Depression

·       Anxiety

·       Improved sleep

·       Improve overall well-being

Restorative yoga is a practice for healing. Often, the practice uses a variety of props, such as blocks, bolsters, and blankets. These props help hold poses for longer periods with more ease and less tiring on the muscles. It allows you to unwind and relax. Generally, poses are comfortable and gentle, allowing you to hold the poses longer so the mind and body can relax together.

The stress we experience daily is unavoidable and you may not realize how you need a break to relax, release, and restore. Yoga can be a great way to deal with the daily tension you are experiencing.

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” — Eleanor Brownn

Robin Anne Griffiths is a certified master development coach, personal trainer, behavior change consultant, and yoga instructor. She specializes as a movement instructor for senior populations. Her mission is to help with living a fuller and healthier life as you age. Her Better You Series is three unique programs tailored to help with positive changes in diet, fitness, and life direction. She works with groups and individuals on life transitions to create personal balance – physically and mentally. You can find more information at https://robinannegriffiths.com.