5 benefits of tapping into the relaxation response (plus, a 5-minute legs-up practice for relaxation)
3 principles of initiating the relaxation response
In order to work initiate our relaxation response, there are three basic key principles:
Reducing tension to relax the muscles of the body.
Freeing the breath to allow a natural flow
Bringing the mind into a more friendly state by pointing our attention toward more warm, spacious, or curious states.
If you’d like to build up your capacity to tap into your parasympathetic state more easily and more regularly, I recommend trying this 5-minute practice daily this week.
Simply notice what happens when you’re off the mat. The intention isn’t to feel more checked out of our realities; rather, observe your mind, body, emotions, and response when you’re squarely in the present.
5 benefits of tapping into the relaxation response
It probably isn’t news to you that we’re suffering from an epidemic of chronic stress response overdrive. When our sympathetic nervous system—known as fight, flight, or flee—is constantly activated, it can wreak havoc on our physical, biological, physiological, and neurological health.
Over the next several weeks in Sunday Centering, I’ll be sharing more about how our practices can work with the nervous system to process the stress we’re experiencing in our lives and in the world.
The good news is that research shows that our meditation and yoga practices can help: We can learn the skill of turning on the relaxation response more regularly, and the relaxation response is the antidote to the stress response.
When we more regularly activate our parasympathetic nervous system, we can experience a shift in how we feel and function.
Our personal well-being is not the only reason to work with our nervous system; it’s good for everyone we come into contact with, allowing us to better connect with each other and supporting us in spreading peace—and not adding aggression—to the planet.
Here, just a few of the many benefits of actively turning on our relaxation response on a regular basis.
An improvement in function in our systems for health and healing, including our digestion, fertility, and immunity.
Growth and repair of our cells and tissues.
An increase in overall detoxification through our digestive, lymph, sweat, and organs.
A shift in our hormone production that increases natural chemicals—such as gut serotonin and GABA—that produce a sense of well-being and peace as well as promote ease and an uplifted mood.
Reversal of the damage caused by the stress response in our bodies and brains—research shows this takes place at any age, well into our 70s and 80s.
OFFERINGS TO NURTURE YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM
a supple psoas workshop (free!)
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Join me for a free 60-minute workshop to learn how the psoas is related to stress and digestion and to practice a short supple psoas sequence that weaves together mindful slow yoga, restoratives, and conscious relaxation.
new practice series: the anatomy of rest and digest
start the first practice today!
Join us for a practice series to take a deep dive into the “anatomy” of rest and digest and work with stress and relaxation through practices that focus on the psoas, diaphragm, and vagus nerve.
register here:
included in online studio membership | full series | single classes
restorative yoga teacher training
starts in january 2024! enjoy early bird pricing through nov. 27
Called to the journey of creating and guiding practices that help you and your students release layers of tension, calm the nervous system, and feel at ease? My 108-hour training features an extensive curriculum and guest teachers Indu Arora, Hala Khouri, Dr. Gail Parker, Tracee Stanley, Lisa Weinert, and Dr. Christiane Wolf.