Yoga classes often end with Savasana, i.e. the corpse pose. Corpse Pose or Savasana is perhaps the most relaxing yoga posture. And while it may seem easy, people actually find it difficult to simply lie down and be still for a few minutes. This is why it’s easy to perform, but hard to master. Savasana does not require strength or flexibility to execute, but maintaining it is key. The body and mind are challenged in many ways and the benefits are just as numbered and varied.
Relax the muscles and reduce tension
After a yoga class, coming into this pose will ease you physically and allows the benefits of your practice to permeate throughout your entire body. Savasana requires you to fall into a natural state and there is no need to keep your limbs straight when executing it. Every part of the body should let go of any tension, all the way from your head to your toes.
Effortless breathing
After connecting with your muscles, connect with your breath. Practise belly breathing throughout this pose, that is, using your diaphragm for slow, deep breaths. As you ease into this pose, so should your breathing.
Improve your focus
Conscious or active relaxation may seem like a contradictory practise, but this is the challenge of Savasana. Similar to releasing tension in the body, your mind will relax and become still, allowing for mental and emotional clarity. This is the end of your yoga flow, a time to reflect on what you’ve just accomplished to come to self-acceptance. Yoga is all about letting go and surrendering, and Savasana is one posture that truly exemplifies that philosophy. You’ll then be able to more easily carry this calm and concentration off your mat and into day-to-day activities.
Relieve stress and anxiety
Letting go of distractions is imperative to Savasana. Sensory stimulation and external distractions often lead to stress and anxiety, but with the practise of Savasana, you can become more still and aware. In this pose, you’ll be paying attention to simple and inner sensations like your breath which is also a great practise for coping with stress.
A meditative state
This posture is a good moment to channel energy. Savasana allows you to explore the fifth limb of yoga: pratyahara, which, essentially, is withdrawing from the senses and gaining mastery over external influences. The less and less distractions you sense, the deeper and clearer your meditation can become.
Savasana is typically done at the end of a yoga class or flow. Like with most yoga postures, practising Savasana on a hard, even surface is ideal.
- Lie down on your back with head, shoulders, upper back, buttocks and backs of legs touching the floor and arms to the side of the body.
- Let go of any tension. Relax the face and eyes.
- Allow your legs to relax with your feet turned out to the sides. There’s no need to keep everything perfectly straight. Open your palms upwards.
- Take slow, deep breaths while actively contracting and expanding the diaphragm.
- Reflect on the yoga sequence you just performed. Be aware of your current state. ‘Tune-in to how your body feels.
- Hold this pose for 5 to 10 minutes.