We end all of our classes with some form of savasana and we do so for a very important reason – savasana is the final outward expression of all we have done in class!
I wanted savasana to be this month’s fit tip because I think it ties in perfectly with our word of the month, SMILE! A smile is the end result of work or effort and so is savasana. It’s the time where you get to enjoy the benefits of your hard work and outwardly shine! So here are a few tips on how to savasana like a pro…
- Don’t leave class early! The final resting pose is as important, if not more, than any set of thigh or seat work we do. So do yourself a favor and stay to enjoy it – your body (and mind) will thank you for it.
- Find a position that is comfortable for you. Some days that may be legs wider or more narrow. Some days, you might want to rest with your legs up the wall or your knees bent and feet resting together, listen to your body and do what feels good on that particular day.
- Allow your palms and inner thighs to rotate upwards. This is a position where you are meant to receive, so allow yourself be open and legit all go.
- Walk your shoulder blades towards one another. Many of us spend far too much of our day with the arms in an internally rotated position, so when you find your savasana walk the shoulder blades together to help create an open chest and space across the front body.
- Close your eyes and relax your face. Closing your eyes will eliminate any outward distraction. Additionally, many of us unintentionally hold tension in the jaw or forehead so make a conscious effort to relax those areas. It may help to turn gaze towards the third eye (between the eyebrows) to relax tension in the forehead and separate the lips slightly to relax tension in the jaw.
- Don’t put any pressure on yourself. Savasana is meant for a time of stillness in body and mind but more often than not, the mind doesn’t want to quiet down – argh! But I find that when I put pressure on myself “not to think” it makes it worse. So instead of trying so hard, just start to notice instead. Notice how your body feels compared to when you walked in. Notice the sound of the breath, paying attention to both your inhalations and your exhalations and trying to stay present there. Notice the rhythmic beat of your heart.
- Take this feeling with you as you leave the room. It’s a practice of course but try to take that calmness with you as you re-enter your day. Instead of running out of the room to check your phone, slowly get up, notice what’s going on around you and ease back in.
I hope these tips help you get the most out of your savasana!
— Jill
This was great! Esp the Third Eye for relaxation –
What a wonderful reminder to savor the final minutes of class! Like many, I often rush out of class before the resting period. Taking a few minutes to rest and reflect upon the day’s accomplishments is a great gift to myself — and, you’re right — just as important as a set of thigh work.