Restorative Practices
In our fast-paced, overly connected modern world, it is easy to be swept up in what is happening around us, and allow other energies to permeate our own.
Alongside all of the seemingly perpetual external chaos that unfolds around us all, we all navigate our own personal tests and triumphs.
For this reason, sometimes we can find ourselves a little bit depleted and in need of greater rest. Read on to hear some of my favourite ways to restore and rejuvenate.
Tune into yourself
This is the first on the list because when you give yourself time to tune in, even if its just for a moment, you will get subtle (or sometimes strong!) feedback from your mind, body and soul about what you need in any given moment, including engaging in one of the following practices.
Legs up the wall
Find yourself a wall space (or the side of the bed or couch!). Gently swing your legs up the wall, find a comfortable position for your arms to rest. Close your eyes and connect with the natural rhythm of your breath. Remain here for around 5 minutes (longer if you have it available!).
Legs up the wall is a beautiful way to calm and restore your nervous system and rejuvenate your energy.
Breathwork
Find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and place one hand on your heart, the other over your belly.
Draw a deep breath in through your nose, feeling your entire torso expand, and a long smooth exhale through your nose, feel your torso contract. Continue in this rhythm for as long as feels comfortable. If you can, allow the exhale to be slightly longer than your inhale, to activate your parasympathetic nervous system.
There are many different breathwork techniques that you can use to either calm and restore you, or uplift and invigorate you. Taking some time to connect with your breath is so simple yet so powerful.
Restorative yoga
Restorative yoga is a very gentle and supportive yoga practice where the poses are held for up to 20 minutes, where the practitioner is completely supported by props. As the name of the practice implies, this is a deeply restorative and healing style of yoga that is accessible to everyone.
Even though this practice sounds blissful, it doesn’t necessarily make it easy! Infact, many people struggle with quieting the thoughts in their heads, taking time to connect deeply with themselves, or giving themselves permission to “rest”.
If you allow yourself to do this practice as often as you need to, you will have deep healing and restoration available to you!
Yin yoga
Similar to restorative yoga in that it is a very slow, gentle, yet slightly more dynamic practice, where each pose is held for between 2-5 minutes. Yoga props are frequently used during yin practices to provide extra support and comfort, and to modify the pose to suit the practitioner.
Yin is practiced with the eyes closed, while holding a deep connection to and awareness of the breath. The stillness of body, breath awareness and the fact that your eyes are closed during this practice makes it a wonderful way to restore yourself, while also gaining the physical, emotional and energetic benefits of this practice.
Yoga Nidra
In its essence, yoga nidra, otherwise known as “yogic sleep”, is a guided practice where you are drawn to bring your awareness to different parts of your body. Yoga nidra is designed to invoke feelings of deep peace and relaxation, whereby the practitioner remains consciously aware, yet is activating the deep healing qualities that come along with sleep and rest.
You might actually fall asleep during this practice! Whatever transpires is what your body needs in that moment. Allow yourself to fully surrender here.
Let me know how you go with these practices!
