Why Restorative Yoga Is What You Need This Fall

When cold winds bluster through New Jersey, the fall climate could make you feel ungrounded. As suddenly as a breeze changes directions, daily life may feel stressful or hectic at a moment’s notice. This is an optimal time to try restorative yoga, a simple practice to help you slow down and regain composure. 

Ayurveda teaches that during autumn, an energy called vata increases in both a person and their environment. Vata, made by the air and space elements, is described as cool, dry, light and mobile—just like a gusty breeze. It governs movement, breathing and creativity and becomes the prevalent force during moments of transition and as you age. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year as you struggle to keep up with never-ending to-do lists. In fact, it may seem like you simply don’t have time to relax. But research shows the best way to get more done is actually by doing less. Here are three reasons why restorative yoga is exactly what you need. 

Rooted

Most of us live in a highly stimulating, highly caffeinated culture constantly on the go. New technology emerges everyday that accelerates daily life. Yet, we often feel exhausted as we struggle to keep up.

When restless vata is over-abundant within or around us, restorative yoga is like pumping your nervous system’s brakes. Restorative yoga relies on props like blankets, blocks and bolsters to activate your innate relaxation response. When your body feels well-supported, your internal speedometer will slowly come back down to 0 mph. Slowing down is soothing to the nervous system and helps to mitigate the effects of fight-or-flight stress.

Relaxed

If you accumulate too much vata, you may feel anxious, agitated or depleted. You may also experience less restful sleep, which leads to myriad issues including cognitive decline, mood instability and high blood pressure. 

In a restorative yoga practice, you’re encouraged to release effort and allow your body to be held up by the support beneath you. You’ll begin to rest heavily, like a newborn baby on its mother’s chest, which helps to balance frenetic vata. Moreover, the props give your joints a much-needed brake. As the air gets dryer during vata season, your joints are prone to feeling achy or stiff. You’ll not only unwind chronic tension and pain but also recuperate lasting health and well-being. 

Ready

As mobile vata increases within your nervous system, you may feel scatterbrained. Our thoughts are like leaves easily rustled by the wind. One minute you’re here-and now in Downward Facing Dog, then suddenly you’re daydreaming about dinner. 

Restorative yoga not only triggers relaxation but also encourages mindfulness. You cultivate more awareness of physical sensations and thoughts or emotions that arise. Slower movements allow you to notice more profoundly the incessant chatter in your mind. But after just two or three restorative yoga poses, you’ll recover the energy and mental clarity you need to get your million chores done. 

When you’re rooted and relaxed, you’re ready to handle whatever life throws your way. You’re less likely to be thrown off course by an unexpected email, a traffic delay or some other inevitable inconvenience. 

Join us this Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2 to 4 pm for a two-hour restorative yoga practice with Michael Simpson. To sign up, click here.