Why I love Restorative Yoga

Why do I love Restorative Yoga? ………

Recently over coffee with a friend, I was reeling off a list of things going on for me at the moment  and she turned to me and said “ you are wearing stress so much better these days, whatever you are up to is working” That really got me thinking…..

Lately I have really been leaning into the power of Restorative Yoga and I have seen the benefits ripple into my day to day life. I have been prioritising adding a restorative pose to my personal practice daily and if I am being completely honest, some days my personal practice is “just’ Restorative. ( I say “just” as although I am seeing the benefits of this practice, I am still in the process of accepting rest as having an equal benefit as doing…… )

I have a busy life. I have two small children who are blessed with boundless energy and enthusiasm for EVERYTHING at all hours of the day and night. I am currently navigating a big life change including a relocation and everything that accompanies that. I also do work I love, which is great but I am some woman to add to my to-do list! So believe me, when you say you don’t have time for restorative yoga, or you just don’t see the point of it, I COMPLETELY GET IT!! I know that feeling. So, in keeping with my personality, I made a list of all the ways Restorative is supporting me lately. I do love a good list :)

It stills the mind: 

Did I mention I love a list…… my brain is constantly on the go making lists; who needs to be dropped off where, and when, what to get for dinner, book the dog into the vet AND SO ON….. the stillness I find in my body in restorative yoga seeps to my brain and my mind gets time to shut off, the lists cease for a little while. This is such a welcome rest for me, and the more I practise this the more I can access a still mind both on and off the mat.

Deeply Relaxes the body

The use of props, long held poses and a focus on breath means Restorative Yoga is the perfect way to really relax the body. The props are there to provide comfort and support, allowing our muscles and our body to fully relax. 

Improves Mobility and Flexibility

By allowing deep relaxation and release of tension in our muscles we gently pave the way for greater flexibility and mobility over time. 

Supports the Nervous System 

We live in a world that is all GO. It can be difficult to give our nervous system a break. Previously I would have thought of myself as resting when lying on the couch, scrolling on my phone. All the while my nervous system was on high alert or, in what we call the Sympathetic state. I was finding it difficult to actually switch off, to drop down into my parasympathetic state, what's also known as the rest and digest state. It’s in this state our body is set up to effectively carry out so many vital processes such as digestion. 

The support and setup of Restorative Yoga is designed to allow us to access that state of rest and digest, to allow our natural processes to do their job. 

Improves capacity for healing and balancing

As mentioned above, when we are in a state of rest and digest our bodily processes and functions can really kick in. This can be powerful when it comes to healing from being able to better utilise the nutrition from our food, to a reduction in stress and inflammation.

Supports immune system functioning

As well as taking what is needed from our food, our digestive system also rids the body of unwanted waste products. By effectively doing this we are supporting our immune system to do it's job. The deep rest spurred on by restorative yoga also allows our other organs and systems to do their jobs too, all of which support our body’s ability to protect and defend itself. 

Helps me develop compassion towards myself and others

Giving myself the space and time to rest is an ongoing practice for me. It doesn;t always come easy.  Using Restorative Yoga for this rest gives me the space and the opportunity to notice what arises when I am in this state, notice if any judgments arise and then allow myself to accept these judgements without acting on them. When I can show myself this level of compassion I am in a better position to be compassionate towards others. 

Makes me a nicer person to be around 

I’m only half joking here! When I’m not constantly thinking ahead and worrying about the next thing I need to do, I can be more present and at ease with the people around me. I am more relaxed and easy going. I don’t get annoyed by the small things (and even some of the big things) as much. And as I mentioned earlier I can show myself and others more compassion making me much nicer to be around! Ask my husband! 

So……… if you want to join me in a gorgeous restorative weekly class, you can do so on Thursday evenings at Aruna