Although it might seem like an innocuous pose, very easy, Savasana is so much more than what it seems.  It is, in fact, the most important of all the Yoga postures.  Whether you’re new to Yoga, a seasoned practitioner or especially if you’re a super-busy type A personality, Savasana deserves a lot more attention and importance than it is often given credit for.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SAVASANA?

Yoga – tapping into complete union with the world around you – takes time and practise.  This is why you practise Savasana after each and every class.  It allows you to find oneness with all things.  But it is also when your body soaks up the physical benefits of the class.

Savasana is time for complete rest for both the body and the mind.  During asana practice you stimulate the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight mode) through mindful movement.  In Savasana you start to switch on the  parasympathetic nervous system, where you begin to slow down and find stillness in the body.   This state benefits the digestive and immune systems as well as the mind.  

On a mental level, Savasana reduces stress and anxiety as well as providing a wealth of other mind-body benefits.  It is a form of meditation.  While lying down and being still you’re building mental resilience and clarity.  You get to let go of everything within your emotional and physical being before reawakening and choosing what thoughts and feelings you want to return.  You can then carry this with you throughout the rest of your day.

WHY IS SAVASANA SO TRICKY SOMETIMES?

Please don’t worry if you are struggling with Savasana.  Most Yogis do.

Savasana is not an easy pose.  Once you start lying down in stillness you might find it really challenging.  Especially if you’re not used to it.  Your mind might start racing, thinking about all sorts of things.  However, when you manage to be completely in the moment and symbolically ‘die’ for 5-15 minutes after a strong Yoga class, then you will start to experience the true benefits of Savasana.

Once you integrate Savasana regularly you’ll start to crave it.  As you begin to give yourself more time in it, you’ll be able to reach your present state much sooner and without conflict.