| What does it mean to relax the mind and body? Do | | | | releasing, allowing a deeper surrender to relaxation. |
| you put on the television to relax? Do you prefer to sit | | | | As you let your mind flow through the different parts |
| in silence and relive the events of the day? For me the | | | | of your body pause when your mind finds rigidity and |
| television can add stress and anxiety to my body. And | | | | stiffness. Concentrate on softening that part of your |
| silence is a foreign word to many. Between young | | | | body while taking in several deep breaths. Hold the |
| children, traffic, cell phones...you get the idea, silence | | | | relaxation point as long as it feels comfortable. |
| can be tough. A different approach to relaxation would | | | | The head has its own set of tension points. The mouth |
| be to learn how to do this yoga pose to unwind at the | | | | needs to open slightly and take the tongue away from |
| end of the day. You owe it to yourself, your body and | | | | the roof of the mouth. Release your jaw muscles and |
| your mind. | | | | the back of your throat. Once your mind moves to |
| Are you experiencing any of these signs of tension? | | | | your eyes rest the strain. Let your eyes sense the |
| - Body stiffness | | | | restfulness. It can feel as if your eyes are sinking into |
| - Headaches | | | | your head. This is a sign that you are giving them a |
| - Digestive problems | | | | break and releasing any tension in the muscles of your |
| - Insomnia | | | | eyes. Let the forehead loosen, ease the tightness. |
| - Chronic anxiety | | | | Soften the skin on your face and your scalp. |
| - Irritability | | | | Once each part of your body has physically relaxed it |
| A classic yoga relaxation position called the corpse | | | | is time to stay as still as possible not letting the outside |
| pose is an alternative solution to softening your | | | | world in. Focus on keeping the body still and releasing |
| stiffness and easing your anxiety by allowing you to | | | | any further tension. This act of concentrating will keep |
| pause and slow down. Relaxation in this position is | | | | your thoughts inside yourself and further deepen the |
| achieved through visualization, conscious breathing | | | | tranquility you are striving for. Breathe deeply |
| techniques and active involvement in the pose. The | | | | throughout this pose and keep your mind alert. |
| corpse pose looks like the easiest of all the yoga | | | | Observe any sensations that your body feels. That is |
| poses but it actually is one of the hardest. There is a | | | | the feeling of stiffness loosening and anxiety easing. |
| fine balance keeping the mind focused on the here | | | | Discharge your emotional tension as well while in this |
| and now and actively involved in the success of this | | | | unrestricted state. Give yourself permission to let go. |
| pose, yet letting go of the body and feeling the calm in | | | | Your mind and body deserve it. As you continue to |
| all your muscles and organs. You are actively releasing | | | | deepen this relaxation your body will feel heavy as if it |
| tension with this pose. Your mind needs to stay | | | | is sinking into the ground. It is a very powerful force to |
| present and your body needs to stay still. | | | | relinquish anxiety and stress. Your body will tell you |
| Lay on your back with your legs straight and your feet | | | | when it is time to come out of this pose. Your |
| about hip distance apart. Straighten your arms and | | | | breathing will start to feel energized. Your eyes will feel |
| place your hands slightly away from your hips. Relax | | | | rested and your body will feel rejuvenated. Roll on |
| your head on the ground and close your eyes. Soften | | | | your side before you get up to avoid any unnecessary |
| each part of your body by concentrating your mind on | | | | strain on your back. Sit up for a couple of minutes |
| the loosening of your muscles and organs. Let your | | | | relishing in the true feeling of bodily relaxation. |
| mind work throughout your body: start at your toes, up | | | | This pose can be done by anyone who can get down |
| your legs, through your pelvis, abdomen, upper chest, | | | | on the ground. It is an excellent tension reliever that |
| down your arms, into your fingers and then back to | | | | only takes about ten minutes but can wipe away |
| your shoulders, neck and head. Work through the body | | | | years of stiffness and anxiety if practiced consistently. |
| tensing each section for a few seconds and then | | | | This pose alone will improve your health. |