The laying down bit at
the end of the class
Think Savasana is just a nap? It’s not what it looks like. By Sarah Highfield
Reading time: 4 minutes
Savasana, also known as ‘Corpse pose’, is widely considered many people’s favourite part of a yoga class. For the non-initiated, it might feel like a power nap, and for the more seasoned yogi, it is an important part of a well-rounded asana practice. Wherever you fall on the yoga spectrum, it is undeniably an enjoyable experience and almost always much needed.
As a rough guide, many yoga professionals recommend practicing five minutes of Savasana for every 30 minutes of asana that you practice. However, you can tweak the length of your Savasana according to how you feel in the moment.
Looks can be deceiving!
While it might look like a nap at the end of a yoga class, Savasana is indeed meant to be done without catching some z’s. As with all other yoga poses, you want to experience Savasana fully aware. By staying fully aware, yet completely relaxed, the pose helps you to assimilate and absorb the benefits of your asana practice.
In fact, when done as intended, Savasana is the ultimate act of mindful submission, and for many people, that can be difficult to do. While it may look and seem like an easy pose, Savasana is one of the most challenging asanas as it takes patience and practice to be able to switch off while staying conscious. For some, it can feel like the mind and body are resisting relaxation; the mind is distracted and the body is fidgeting, so again, be patient and keep practicing.
Far-reaching benefits
Moreover, Savasana reduces fatigue and headaches, helps relieve stress and mild depression, relaxes your breath, lowers blood pressure, triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, and increases blood flow to all the organs of your body, nourishing your whole system. Many of these benefits are also believed to continue on after Savasana has ended, providing another good reason to make lots of time for it.
Take your time
The next time you find yourself doing Savasana, remember to truly surrender to the moment. Let your mind and body relax, and with each exhalation, allow yourself to feel heavier and heavier. Feel yourself becoming more and more grounded, soften all of your muscles, and let any tension melt away. Enjoy the moment, allow your mind and body to settle, soak up the peacefulness. It really is that simple.
Sarah Highfield is a yoga teacher, writer and regular OM contributor. Visit: yogagise.com or connect on Instagram @Yogagise
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
