Elise Ratliff
It’s simple to get caught up in the hustle of daily life and forget to pause and relax. However, when stress starts showing up, we’re reminded of the comfort of having a calm body and mind. Or, at the very least, having tools to bring our bodies back to center. Restorative yoga is a gentle way of preparing ourselves to slow down and feel a greater sense of inner peace when Arizona temperatures rise. Restorative yoga focuses on stretching, rest, and stillness. Gentle poses held for extended periods of time encourage the body to let go of tension and find balance and harmony.
Restorative yoga encourages us to slow down and take a breath amidst the busyness of everyday life. You may experience a variety of benefits to your physical health and mental wellbeing by incorporating this practice with your other activities. Benefits include: reduced stress, improved sleep, enhanced flexibility, improved wellbeing, deepened relaxation, mindful awareness, supported recovery, and improved respiration.
There are many simple restorative yoga poses that need nothing more than a quiet space and a few props for support. Here’s one to try at home:
Supported Bridge Pose
1. Lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart
2. Place a block under your hips for support
3. Extend your arms along the mat, palms facing down
4. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, feeling the gentle opening in your chest and hips
This is an ideal practice for anyone dealing with stress, burnout, fatigue, injury, or simply looking to unwind deeply. The class is done on the floor and is suitable for all fitness levels and can be a powerful addition to your self-care routine. Feel free to bring anything from home that might serve as a prop for this class (blanket, cushion, towel, eye cover, etc). Blocks and straps are provided. There is a fee to attend classes at Cottonwood/Palo Verde. $5 per class or $20 for a five-class punch card.
Classes at Cottonwood/Palo Verde: Monday and Friday at 10 a.m.
IronOaks Wellness Center: Thursday 10 a.m.
Hope to see you there!
~Namaste~