How To Sleep Better, Reduce Stress and Be Happier
The Healing Power of Restorative Yoga
"Put yourself first on your 'to do' list. Practicing self-care is not indulgent or selfish. It is an act of self-love."
We know that we need to relax and rest, but how do we do that if we can’t change the busyness of our lives? Practicing restorative yoga is a way to experience deep relaxation and learn self-care tools that you can take off the mat. When we take time to care for ourselves, that positivity extends outward, spreading kindness to others.
Artemis Restorative Yoga teacher JoAnne Kazis tells us, “Whether you have small amounts of stress in your life or you have suffered from chronic stress, trauma, injury or illness, restorative yoga can help you heal.”
Unlike active methods of yoga, Restorative Yoga focuses on deep rest and rejuvenation, allowing the mind and body to unwind. At Artemis Yoga in Watertown, we’ve witnessed firsthand how this practice has changed lives. Laurie Zagerski, member since 2018, says “Restorative Yoga enhances my ability to really feel like I’m spending quality time with myself. Practicing listening to my reactions to different poses prompts me to more regularly check in with myself and make ‘micro-adjustments’ towards a better experience–not just in movement, but in my mindset and beyond.”
What is Restorative Yoga?
"Restorative Yoga is a receptive practice, not an active practice. It is an opportunity to become a curious observer of your thoughts, your breath and your body."
Restorative Yoga is designed to initiate your body’s own relaxation response as you gently stretch, still your consciousness, and connect with breath. Poses are mostly on the floor, on your back, or seated with the support of bolsters, blankets, and blocks for maximum comfort. You don’t need any previous yoga experience.
The Benefits of Restorative Yoga
"Our body and our breath are our greatest teachers, however we have to be able to receive the messages that they send us."
1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Restorative Yoga activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers your body’s “rest and digest” mode, lowering cortisol levels and calming your mind. Many of our students share with us that their main goal in yoga is to relieve anxiety and find peace. Artemis Yoga student, Bri Daley, says, “We are deserving of rest. We, as humans, thrive in stress but also require the balance of taking the time to rest and give ourselves permission to do so.”
2. Improve Sleep
By slowing the mind and relaxing the body, Restorative Yoga prepares you for restful sleep. Students often report finding it easier to wind down after a Restorative Yoga class. These peaceful, calming effects can even last for days after practicing. A study on women with sleep problems shows that yoga reduces insomnia and improves sleep quality by increasing melatonin and reducing adrenaline.
3. Relieve Tension in the Body
Because of the emphasis on gentle stretching, Restorative Yoga is a great way to recover from injury or physical strain. Using props ensures that all poses are easeful and you aren’t experiencing any tension in your body. A student told us, “I went into the class with lots of tension in my neck and shoulders. I left with none, and that has continued for several days.“
4. Increase Flexibility
The gentle, passive nature of Restorative Yoga poses allow for gradual improvements in flexibility. By spending several minutes in poses, you’ll find that your muscles lengthen and open in a different way than they would in an active yoga class. You’ll notice your range of motion increase when you practice Restorative Yoga regularly.
5. Enhance Mood
Restorative Yoga is a practice of self-compassion and emotional healing. The slow pace allows you to listen to your body and mind, in order to ultimately find peace. JoAnne says, “You may notice that a pose creates feelings for you on a physical or emotional level. Pay attention to those feelings, without judgement, to tap into where they may be coming from. The more you practice with this level of awareness, the more you’ll learn to trust your intuition.” At Artemis Yoga, our team of Restorative Yoga teachers create a welcoming and supportive space for you to relax fully and deeply.
6. Build Mindfulness and Meditation Skills
The long, supported postures allow for time to check in with yourself and listen to your needs. By taking the time to treat yourself with care and move slowly while you transition poses, you’ll find that you make better choices for yourself and have more patience off the mat as well. Additionally, you’ll notice your breath and learn to focus on it in a soothing way. This inward focus allows you to experience and tap into your mind-body connection.
4 Common Restorative Yoga Poses
"Learning to be present with yourself and to abide in that which is steady and comfortable does not allow space for self-judgment. When you live this way, you are practicing yoga: you are living fully."
1. Supported Child's Pose
2. Knees Supported - Stonehenge
3. Restorative Spinal Twist
4. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)
Join A Restorative Yoga Class Today
"It’s really special and truly a gift to be guided into complete healing and relaxation."
At Artemis Yoga, we’re here to guide and support you. Here are many of our weekly opportunities for you to experience the life-changing benefits of Restorative Yoga. While each teacher has different approaches, you will be sure to leave each class rejuvenated.
New to us? Try our Newcomer Pass for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga!
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
4:30pm Restorative with JoAnne Kazis | 7:30pm Restorative with Stacey Jackson-Flammia | 7:30pm Restorative with Victoria Huebner | 7:30pm Restorative with Meredith Wright | 7:30pm Restorative with Sheryl Rosenberg | 7:00pm Rotating Restorative Friday evenings |
