Why Restorative Yoga can help you cope with easing COVID-19 restrictions

As lovers and practitioners of yoga, some of us have been so excited about lockdown easing and studios reopening that we’ve been hitting our mats really hard; training, back bending and doing vinyasa after vinyasa!

Others have been so busy, our schedules haven’t allowed much mat time at all. Whichever type you are, one thing is for certain; we are all humans first.

After month after month of lessened social activity (especially not involving Zoom!) you’ve probably gotten accustomed to a slower pace over lockdown. And a sudden change, however welcome, still takes a toll on our mental, emotional and physical beings. It can take time to process change of any kind.

Absolutely take your fill, and make the most of the return of challenging classes, and the opportunity to practise around others again.

But don’t forget to be kind and unwind too!

This is where restorative yoga comes in. You’ve probably heard of yin, but did you know these longer-held, slower paced classes, can be considered the ‘other half’ to more physically-demanding ‘yang’ practises? Intended to bring your body and mind into a restful state of relaxation, restorative yoga places importance on the practice of stillness and invites us to release tension, which is easily accumulated with lifestyle stresses and strains… such as the easing of restrictions amidst a global pandemic!

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed with lockdown loosening, you’re not alone! Here are three reasons why restorative yoga practices could be the answer:

Achieve conscious relaxation for better sleep

Whether you’re back to the office, the studio, or just the pub, our brains are probably going to be subject to a lot more stimulation than over lockdown, and may benefit from help ‘letting go’ when the day comes to an end.

Practising restorative yoga stimulates conscious relaxation through deep breathing techniques that calm the nervous system. A 2014 study has found that the restful, meditative nature of restorative yoga practices are more effective at inducing relaxation and promoting better sleep than yoga exercises based on passive stretching alone.

Class recommendation: Diana Holland’s live-streamed Hypno Nidra session on Tuesdays between 2-2.45 PM is a great option for anyone wanting to cultivate better and more conscious sleep and mindfulness patterns.

Allow processing and acceptance of emotions for better mood

Mental Health Awareness week might be over, but yoga and meditation & movement practices can support you through difficult thoughts and feelings all year round.

If the idea of getting back on a busy tube or train makes you a little anxious, or you’re worrying about interacting with people you haven’t seen for a long time, research indicates that restorative yoga can help those with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders manage their symptoms.

This is due to the meditative nature of these practices which allow you to feel, process and accept your various emotions, even if they are negative.

By slowing down the mind, these practices enable you to stop chasing the need to be “productive,” and instead take a moment to look at your feelings objectively. In short, it frees up space in your mind to experience, process and accept things that may feel uncomfortable, thus setting you on the path of true healing and renewal.

Class recommendation: Yoga for Stress and Anxiety with Laurent Roure on Mondays between 3-4.15 PM is great for anyone who wants to learn more about practising restorative yoga to regulate and accept emotions in a healthy manner.

Gentle on the body but strengthening in the long run

Since the focus of restorative yoga is on the mind and deep tissues, the asanas that are part of these practices are generally more gentle on the joints and aimed towards releasing the tensions your body holds. However, though they are low-energy, consistent practise of these poses helps strengthen the connective tissues that surround the bones and joints, thus making you more limber and flexible.

Class recommendation: Flow & Restore with Natalie Gartshore on Wednesdays between 7 – 8.15 PM is the perfect choice for those who want to start off with gentle yoga practices that encourage more endurance and flexibility with consistent practice.

If you’re accustomed to active, challenging or faster-paced classes like Ashtanga or Dharma, try pairing these with a restorative practice that honours, thanks and rewards your body for its strength, and nourishes it with breath and release.

Classes we recommend for unwinding and relaxing:

Here are some restorative yoga sessions that you can partake in from the comfort of your own home.

Online:

Mon 8-9 AM

Livestream: Flow & Restore With Charlie Merton

Bringing together active postures and vinyasa flow with restorative yoga, this Zoom class taught by yoga practitioner Charlie Merton allows you to explore yourself through a combination of movement, breath, mantra and meditation to build strength, endurance and flexibility of the body while also nourishing the mind. A wide range of quiet, meditative yoga postures enables you to relax everything from your muscles and tissues to your nervous system, encouraging the release of any deeply held physical or mental tension while simultaneously imbuing you with invigorating energy.

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