What is Restorative Yoga and do I need it?

Reclined Bound Angle Pose

Allowing ourselves to pause, even for a brief moment, can be challenging and yet, so rewarding. Restorative Yoga offers a passive way to recharge our batteries, to unplug. It allows us to stop "doing" and simply start "being". The challenge is that those who have trouble slowing down and sitting still could benefit the most from restorative yoga. I know as I am one of them!

​This form of yoga triggers the relaxation response and helps the nervous system recover from continuous daily stress. As you are resting in specific restorative yoga postures, and supported by different yoga props, such as bolsters and blocks, the tensions in your body melts away. The overall calming effect of a Restorative Yoga class on the nervous system soothes your mind and body down to the cellular level. So if you find yourself continuously working, training or "doing", consider the following signs and be honest with your responses. Your physical health and state of mind may depend in it! 

10 signs that indicate you could benefit from a Restorative Yoga class.

1. You wake up in the morning, feeling tired, exhausted.
2. You have trouble falling asleep or wake up in the middle of the night.
3. Your have muscle and/or joint pain.
4. You suffer from brain fog and have trouble concentrating. 
5. You dream of taking time off for yourself but never get around to it.
6. You are constantly multitasking.
7. You feel stressed, irritable, edgy.
8. You often catch colds and never seem to completely recover.
9. You constantly check your email, Facebook/Instagram/Twitter accounts. 
10. When asked how you are, you answer more often than not, "I am so busy."

Unplug from your life and settle into a Restorative Yoga pause for 5 minutes. Be warned; profound relaxation and overall wellbeing may occur!