Yoga Journeys: Master the Art of Practicing Savasana

The Savasana pose is an indispensable conclusion to any yoga session, revered by virtually all yoga instructors for its profound benefits. Despite the temptation to skip this final relaxation, its significance is paramount. If circumstances necessitate an early departure from a class, communication with the teacher is key, and a brief solo Savasana can be a compromise. The beauty of Savasana extends beyond the studio, allowing practitioners the flexibility to engage in this restorative pose independently. A dedicated 15-20 minute session at home becomes a therapeutic balm, offering rejuvenation and relief after the demands of a challenging day, ensuring that the holistic benefits of yoga extend far beyond the confines of a formal class.

Reasons to Practice Savasana

• Increases Relaxation: Savasana, also commonly referred to as the corpse pose, is the ultimate cool-down, allowing your muscles to completely surrender to gravity and your nervous system to switch into its “rest and digest” mode. Imagine melting into a warm pool of tranquility.

• Beneficial for Insomnia: By calming the mind and body, Savasana eases you into a deeper, more restful state. It’s like putting your brain on pause, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep, reducing those tossing and turning nights.

• Relieves Stress: Savasana acts as a reset button for your stress hormones. As you surrender to stillness, cortisol levels dip, and calming neurotransmitters like GABA take over, washing away tension and leaving you feeling refreshed and centered.

• Reduces Fatigue: Savasana isn’t just about physical relaxation; it rejuvenates your entire being. The deep rest allows your body to repair and recharge, leaving you feeling energized and ready to tackle the day ahead.

• Helps with Headaches: Tension headaches often stem from stress and muscle tightness. Savasana’s ability to melt away both can be your headache’s kryptonite, bringing soothing relief and preventing future recurrences.

• Can Help to Lower Blood Pressure: The calming effect of Savasana on your nervous system extends to your cardiovascular system. Regular practice can help regulate blood pressure, particularly for those with mild hypertension.

• Increases Energy: While it might seem counterintuitive, deep relaxation actually boosts your energy levels. By allowing your body and mind to fully recharge, Savasana leaves you feeling revitalized and ready to face the day with renewed vigor.

Disclaimer

Before we go any further, we seriously don’t want you hurting yourself, guys. So if there is a reason why you cannot or should not lay completely flat on your back, such as an injury, a recent recovery from surgery, or a pregnancy, please do not attempt Savasana until you’ve gotten the green light from a health care professional to do so.

How to Begin Savasana

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s begin! First, find yourself a quiet environment and lie down on your back. Position your feet at a hip-width distance and allow them to gently rest outward. Place your hands on the floor, palms facing up, a few inches from your body. Close your eyes and clear your mind of intrusive thoughts. Be aware that Savasana isn’t intended for sleeping but rather to promote deep relaxation. The optimal duration for this pose ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, providing an ideal opportunity for extended tranquility and rejuvenation.

How to Exit Savasana

Once you are ready to finish, roll onto your side, feeling the earth greet your cheek. Take a few deep breaths, savoring the quiet space you’ve created within. When ready, use your hands to press gently into the mat, finding a comfortable seated position. Here, you can linger in silence or embark on a mindful breath practice or meditation, letting the tranquility of your Savasana linger throughout your day.

Additional Tips and Techniques

• Gently draw your shoulders down and back, like tucking them under your wings.
• If your feet feel chilly, slip on some socks and consider draping a cozy yoga blanket over yourself for warmth.
• For an extra headrest, fold a blanket and nestle it beneath your head, allowing the fabric to gently cup your neck. This mimics the support of a pillow and can lull you deeper into relaxation.
• If the room isn’t quite dim enough, try an eye pillow or a light scarf over your eyes.
• Remember, choose a gentle weight for your eye covering, as anything too heavy can strain your eyes in the long run. Many people who practice yoga find a soft scarf to be the perfect companion for Savasana’s darkness. Feel free to experiment and create the perfect haven for your body and mind to simply be.

Closing Thoughts on Savasana

Savasana is an amazing and very relaxing pose, a final sigh of release after a yoga practice, or a standalone gateway to deep tranquility. It’s not just about lying down; it’s a conscious surrender to stillness, melting into the embrace of the moment. As you close your eyes and breathe deeply, tension melts away, and worries dissipate like clouds on a wind-swept sky. The pose, though simple in appearance, unlocks a profound sense of rejuvenation. When you emerge, it’s as if you’ve been dipped in a pool of serenity, your body recharged, your mind clear, and your spirit refreshed!