Yoga is a type of fitness I’ve regularly started doing at home. Lately, though, I’ve been going to more classes in person, which has been a nice change of pace. (Sidenote, I think I love hot yoga.)
It’s been refreshing to do new and different poses, sequences, and styles, but my favorite part of every class is ending in Savasana. A lot of people say they love this position, because it’s basically like taking a nap since you’re supposed to relax and not moveโhence the name “corpse pose.”
What I love about Savasana is the grounding aspect of it. You relax every muscle, feel your body get heavier, and allow yourself to take up space. This helps you feel your body’s connection to the earth. I find it so refreshing while I’m embracing the pose and especially afterwards when I come out of it.
For the past year or so, I’ve started adopting some of the mindset of Savasana throughout my day. Any time I feel stressed, I take a look at how I’m holding my body and where the tension has started to build up. It’s crazy how this happens without us even noticing. But when you become conscious of it, you can better control the tightness and actively let it go.
I created a checklist inspired by Savasana, which I do almost daily now. I go through it when I feel stressed but also when I’m having trouble falling asleep at night. It’s a simple yet effective way to become in tune with my body and release any tension.
1. Relax your jaw and unclench your teeth.
2. Soften your facial muscles, including your forehead and eyelids.
3. Drop your shoulders and release the tension.
4. Take deep breaths that gradually get slower.
Don’t rush through the checklist. Really focus on each step and let it sink in.
I’ve found it to be a valuable tool in my everyday life, because holding onto stress isn’t just unpleasantโit affects our health. Our stress level is one area of our health that can more or less be controlled, though, which is why I try to be aware of it and respond in a productive way. By going through a simple checklist like the one above, you’re working on how you respond to stress and choosing to let it melt away.
And now I am done with my zen yogi talk.
When in doubt, just remember what the great Frankie Goes to Hollywood says:
