I remember taking my first 90-minute yoga class years ago and as the teacher called Savasana, the final resting pose, a few students started quietly packing up their things. My first thought was, “Great I can skip this part?! The teacher doesn’t seem to mind?! I’ve got places to be, and things to do!!” If you’re anything like I was, you might be tempted to bolt for the door as soon as those final words are uttered. But hold up—what if I told you that lying flat on your back could be the best, and most impactful part, of your yoga practice?

It wasn’t until many years later that I became a yoga teacher myself, that I realized, your yoga teacher really does care if you stay for Savasana… specifically for all the great benefits it provides and what you miss out on if you leave beforehand!

I get it, Savasana is simultaneously the easiest and most challenging posture of them all. During the physical practice there is no time for boredom when you are trying to breathe and not to fall over in certain balancing postures! Then, you get to Savasana, and the focus is suddenly gone. The mind has nothing to do, so it is easy to feel boredom, irritation, or racing thoughts about all the things that you could be doing.

I feel like there is a stigma in our culture (at least I feel it as a girl growing up in the West) that says being still is considered lazy, or unproductive, or even boring. That our self-worth can be found more in being busy and useful, than taking time for ourselves. The shift in my perspective came mostly through mediation and reading Emily Fletchers book “Stress Less, Accomplish More”. I realized that simply Being is as “productive” if not more, than Doing, and that some of my greatest moments of clarity have come from getting still and silent. By quieting the mental chatter, you can gain clarity of thought and insight into your own inner workings.

Savasana holds profound benefits for both body and mind, making it an essential component of any yoga practice. Today, let’s delve into the art of Savasana and explore why embracing this final resting pose is so crucial.

Stress, Hello Old Friend: Let’s talk science for a sec. Savasana triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, (your rest and digest response) and calms your sympathetic nervous system, (your fight, flight and freeze response). If we leave before the body resets, we can keep bodies in a fight or flight stress response, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, suppressed digestion, and a weaker immune system… no thank you!! Savasana offers a precious opportunity to reset our nervous system, let go of worries and anxieties, and foster a sense of inner peace. As you surrender into the pose, your body enters a state of calm, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in your immune and digestive systems. This reduction in stress on the cardiovascular system can have long-term health benefits. So instead of rushing off to your next task, why not let Savasana work its magic? It’s like hitting the reset button on your stress levels—trust me, your to-do list can wait.

Sleep like a Boss: I often struggled with sleep issues, tossing, and turning throughout the night. Savasana became my secret weapon for better sleep. By practicing Savasana, I was able to calm my mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. The deep relaxation of Savasana helped me achieve a more restful night’s sleep, leaving me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning.

Abs Are Great, but Have You Tried Relaxing: I used to think yoga was all about getting a killer core workout. But Savasana showed me that sometimes, the best workout is a mental one. By practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment, you’ll strengthen your mind just as much as your muscles. By staying present with your breath and body sensations during Savasana, you can cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment. This mindfulness can then be carried off the mat and into your daily life, helping you to stay centered and focused amidst life’s challenges.

The Zen Master’s Guide to Letting Go: Let’s face it—we all carry around a lot of responsibilities, obligations, and quick frankly baggage. But in Savasana, you can finally let go of all the stuff that’s weighing you down or no longer serves you. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your mind, minus the tiny folding.

Savasana: The Original Power Nap: Who needs coffee when you’ve got Savasana? Okay, maybe not exactly, but hear me out. According to Emily Fletcher, “Stillness can provide 5 times deeper rest for your body than sleep”. That a 15-minute meditation is equivalent to taking an hour nap. That means a few minutes of deep relaxation in Savasana can leave you feeling more energized and focused than a double espresso (minus the jitters).

Savasana is often viewed as just a time to rest at the end of a yoga class, but it is so much more than that. It is a powerful practice for relaxation, stress reduction, and mindfulness. By embracing Savasana and making it an essential part of your yoga practice, you can experience profound benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. So next time you’re in Savasana, fully surrender to the pose and allow yourself to reap the rewards it has to offer. The more you practice Savasana, the better you will get at it, and your body and mind will thank you for it!