{"id":273519,"date":"2020-08-20T06:00:58","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T05:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/formnutrition.com\/us\/?p=273519"},"modified":"2020-08-19T18:07:45","modified_gmt":"2020-08-19T22:07:45","slug":"in-need-of-a-de-stress-heres-how-hatha-and-restorative-yoga-can-calm-the-mind-and-body","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/formnutrition.com\/us\/inform\/in-need-of-a-de-stress-heres-how-hatha-and-restorative-yoga-can-calm-the-mind-and-body\/","title":{"rendered":"In Need of a De-Stress? Here’s How Hatha and Restorative Yoga Can Calm the Mind and Body"},"content":{"rendered":"

The meaning of the word yoga is \u2018to connect or unite\u2019 and as a practice <\/span>has been instrumental in starting many on the pathway to self-healing.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we practice yoga not only do we benefit physically from increased blood flow, strength, posture correction, and a lowering of the heart rate, but also the numerous emotional benefits that enable us to calm our entire nervous system. A Hatha\/Restorative Yoga session drives down stress, helps you to focus your mind, and makes that all-important mind-body connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefit of practising these slower styles of yoga is that they allow space for your feelings and emotions to arise. It is a time to pause and to start feeling into your body. Feel the emotions but don\u2019t attach yourself to them. <\/span>Calm the mental chatter<\/span><\/a>. Allow yourself to rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

As world-renowned yoga teacher Donna Farhi reminds us, though restorative yoga focuses less on stretching muscles and more on the release of tension, we must not mistake this for a mild result. Restorative yoga should be about practicing the art of attention and allowing us to see within ourselves. When we slow down we have space to listen and respond appropriately, finding a softer and more grateful side of ourselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hatha\"<\/p>\n

It can be hard for us to pay attention to ourselves when we feel stressed or under pressure. Not all stress is bad though. Stress<\/a> plays an important role when we need adrenaline to give us the energy to run faster or to meet deadlines for example.<\/p>\n

However long-term stress isn’t good for us, nor is living in a constant state of fight or flight. When we continually live in this state we release cortisol and adrenaline into the body that can have a serious effect on our body and mind. We need to find time to hit the reset button. Hatha\/Restorative can aid with this by tapping into your parasympathetic nervous system (the system that promotes healing, change, and calm).<\/p>\n

Finding time for a yoga practice that fits with your daily routine can be hard but can be invaluable in your day ahead. If you can find time to dedicate 45 minutes to some restorative yoga, here are my top yoga poses to try at home to help you relax and destress.<\/p>\n

Top Yoga Poses To Destress At Home<\/h2>\n

Legs Up The Wall Pose<\/h3>\n

Sit one hip beside a wall then stretch your legs up against the wall. Try to get both buttocks touching the wall. If it doesn\u2019t feel comfortable on your back you could place your seat and sacrum on a blanket or bolster (if you don\u2019t have a yoga bolster try rolling up a firm pillow with a blanket). Rest your head and shoulders on the floor.<\/p>\n

Let your arms rest at your sides and begin to relax all your facial muscles. If you spend a lot of time on your feet or in a seat then this is a very healing posture.<\/p>\n

To come away from the wall bend your knees, press the soles of the feet to the wall and gently roll to your right comfortably and rest on your side for a few moments.<\/p>\n

Supported Child’s Pose<\/h3>\n

Starting on an all fours on the mat, bring a bolster in between your knees and lower your seat back onto your heels. Bring the bolster in closer as needed so you rest fully down on to it. Turn your head to either side as needed. Allow the eyes to close and feel the breathe, the full belly breathe on the bolster and full exhale expanding into the back body. Take time to really slow down here.<\/p>\n

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