Practice Point #54- Stress Release

I received a question from Belinda from Australia. Their question is...

I have had more stress triggers than usual and only recently realised stress may be contributing to a long term neck/shoulder issue. What are the best asanas to release stored stress?

Restorative. Restorative. Restorative.

For some people practicing restorative posture is very challenging. Me included.

I notice sometimes when I set myself up in a restorative posture, my mind is so busy and I quickly get agitated and want to come out of the posture.

This is stress revealing itself.

I encourage you to set a timer to start only once the mind a stilled, then hold the restorative posture (make sure you are comfortable and can relax) for the entire duration of the time set.

It takes time for the mind to wind down, when it reaches a state of relaxation and quiet then the rest of the body can begin to relax.

We are not restoring the body if we are in a posture for 20 minutes and the mind is active and elsewhere.

When you do a restorative pose, watch the quality of your mind. Wait for it to become quiet then the posture begins.

If you would like to submit a question about home practice and receive the answer in these weekly Practice Points, you can below. Question-related to specific injuries will not be answered.