I found restorative yoga long time ago and it became the only way that I can practice while ridden with several repetitive strain injuries. As the years passed and I recovered from my old and new injuries, I discovered that restorative yoga is great for everyone and every situation in life as we are always healing from something.
After my yoga teacher training, I started to teach restorative. It was what came out naturally from my mat. I am fortunate to have very supportive friends that came to my class. Together, we started on a journey where I guide them to discover the wonders of restorative yoga. They help me to learn a depth to the practice that I never knew it existed.
What is Restorative Yoga?
Through the use of props, restorative poses are supported so you can stay on them for a long time and feel a deeper release. These poses are variation of the yoga poses that let you experience the same benefits.
Best of all, restorative poses favor introspection and meditation. Helping you to connect with your inner divine!
What are the benefits?
These supported poses let you experience deep relaxation and deep healing. Here are some of the benefits they bring:
- Reduce muscular tension
- Improve circulation
- Relieve stress
- Quiet the mind
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce fluid retention
- Stimulate internal healing processes
- Balance energy
- Build up emotional stability and will power
Why Restorative Yoga for stress?
We all suffer the effects of stress at one time or another. But lately, it feels like stress has become part of our daily lives. The problem is that excessive stress can be very damaging and can contribute to physical or mental illness and chronic pain.
We often resort to strenuous exercising, caffeine, alcohol, or comfort foods to alleviate stress. But these momentary reliefs can be counterproductive in the end. Leaving us more tired and fatigued.
Practicing restorative yoga creates a feeling of peace and bliss that leaves you feeling with renewed strength and a calmed mind. When we are calmed, we have more choices… and the more we relax, the more we heal…
In restorative yoga, I found an antidote to stress! A raft that keeps me afloat in this sea of stress I live in.
What is the best time to practice to Restorative Yoga?
You can experience its benefits at any time of the day. Best time to practice is when you have time! Choose a time when you don’t have rush right after. Also, 2 hours after eating and 1 hour after drinking.
I like practicing restorative in the evening because it helps me to regain balance and renew strength as a consequence, I sleep well. But some times in a hectic day, I take 10 min to practice child pose or a forward bend to help me regain calm. During my moon cycle, I also prefer restorative to a more active practice.
You can also combine restorative with other practices. I always like finishing with a supported forward bend and savasana regardless of what I practice. I practice a legs up the wall before meditating to help me settle my mind, relax my legs, and feel more energy.
Restorative yoga is for everyone, not only for injured or troubled people. Some of mine students found improved performance and focus in sports, increased flexibility, relief their grief, and a way to practice self-love.
I like to leave you with this quote as an inspiration to start practicing restorative:
“TAKING TIME OUT each day to relax and renew is essential to living well.” Judith Lasater