Restorative yoga evening practice

End the day feeling relaxed and restored with this evening restorative yoga practice. The quality of our sleep is so important for our overall wellbeing. Aside from the other wellness lifestyle practices, sleep is definitely at the top of the list. The body and mind need this rest to rejuvenate for the next day.

Why restorative yoga?

A restorative yoga practice is like a big loving hug. It helps us to relax, feel good, calm and grounded. There is little physical effort hence why we use lots of yoga props. This way, we can focus on our breath and calm our senses and the mind.

It is a therapeutic style practice in which we are surrendering to the present moment and allowing all to be as it is. The postures are held for a long duration, usually from 4-5minutes onwards. This gives our nervous system time to regulate and come into a resting state/the parasympathetic nervous system. Therefore, a restorative yoga evening practice may help improve the quality of our sleep.

THE ASANAS

Reclined restorative spinal twist

Spinal twists are super cleansing for the body and mind. They help stimulate digestion and release tension from the mind by developing flexibility in the spine. This is almost like a detox effect for the mind.

Hold for: 4 minutes on each side

Reclined restorative bound angle pose

Supta baddha konasana is a wonderful gentle way to release tension from the hips. This area is related to the sacral chakra (Swadisthana) which is all about pleasure/feeling good and finding joy in all we do in life. The restorative variation also helps to relax the upper body and open the chest, feeling supported by the ground. Going to sleep with a joyful attitude and a peaceful heart space is a wonderful way to rest and not take anything through the next day.

Hold for: 7-10 minutes

Savasana variation

This is probably one of my favourite Savasana variations. A beautiful, calming posture with the legs slightly on an incline to energise the feet and legs. We use them all day, and in this posture there is a gentle reverse of prana and blood flow in the lower body, giving them a much needed rest.
Hold for: 10 minutes