Yoga for relaxation

After a really long day, when you finally hit the bed, how do you actually feel? Do you feel relaxed or drained out? Sleeping over your worries and stress is an easy temporary solution. However, it doesn’t solve the problem and can be worrisome for the long term. Using Yoga for relaxation is an effective way to eliminate all your stress and tiredness, after an exhaustive day.It is very important to relax because an overworked body and mind can only run in a state of survival. This will in turn make you feel cranky and weak. Before your body forcibly makes you rest by falling sick, take the reins in your hands, and be consistent towards looking after your body and mind.Here are 5 yoga techniques that you need to try to destress and relax:Shavasana: No, Shavasana doesn’t mean simply lying down and dozing off. It is a conscious and structured format of relaxing your body and mind in a continuous effort. For this: - Lie down on your back, with your arms extended by your side and the legs spread apart. - Keeping the eyes closed, breathe rhythmically in a subtle and slow manner for a few minutes. Rechaka: This pranayama is coined by The Yoga Institute and is also known as Yogendra Pranayama 8. This pranayama results in refreshing your nerves and brings your scattered energy back in alignment. It helps to develop the sense of ‘letting go’ of everything that is stressing you out and helps you to relax. For this: - Sit with your eyes closed in any meditative position. - Inhale slowly and continuously for three seconds. - Retain your breath for six seconds. - Slowly, gradually and without jerks, exhale continuously for twelve seconds. - Practice 4-5 rounds. Reflection: One of the most important things for relaxation is to be aware of your thoughts and what is the source of your stress. Once you get this realisation, all your need is some awareness to handle those situations in a better manner. From the time we wake up till we retire at night, our days are filled with countless actions. At the end of the day, make it a habit to sit with closed eyes and watch and reflect on your day as if you are watching a movie. This practice makes you acutely aware of your actions. This practice usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Shatapawali: This is an age-old Indian custom of taking a light stroll, a few minutes after a meal. This is a simple practice of getting some fresh air and squeezing in a stroll in the middle of a hectic day. Be it at home or work, Shatapawali is a great way of kicking your brain and body into gear, and increase creativity, concentration, and destress yourself. Even when you take breaks between your work, try to sit by the window as you sipyour beverage of choice to just take a quick break from the regular environment, and to recharge yourself. Vairagya Bhava: Objectivity is the central idea of Vairagya. It is only when we get too involved with something, that it starts bothering or stressing us out. One of the ideal ways to be in a relaxed state is by detaching yourself from the situation and looking at things objectively. It is to refrain from accumulating a mountain of thoughts that form formidable baggage. During the entire day, try and keep a calm mind. Approach every event and situation with patience, grace, and mindfulness for yourself and for others as well. Your body and mind need all the love, attention, and pampering to sustain in the long run. Pay attention to yourself and your needs before it’s too late. Your complete outlook towards life can change when your body and mind are in a relaxed state.Authored by: Dr Hansaji Yogendra, The Yoga Institute