This post is assuming you have read the following two items…
STEP ONE = Committed to a daily time set aside for yourself
STEP TWO = Found some techniques to do during that time to focus on settling the mind as much as possible
Now the fun part! Making your daily savasana something you look forward to each day.
At this point, you may still be getting wrapped up in the flow of your day and forgetting to pause. I have some tips for that as well. This is also the time when you may be finding that pausing and witnessing your busy thoughts to be a frustrating activity. You may even want to just watch TV instead. I have been there, I get it. I have found that the following items have helped me. Hoping they work for you too.
I continue to be relatively new at this daily pause, only been trying for one month. Being honest, I found some days are easier than others. But I remind myself that it is a practice, one that has a ton of health benefits – physical, mental and emotional. There are also days that I truly settle in and find rest. Those moments keep me going and firm my commitment to doing this daily.
Remember that taking this daily time is not easy to do, but it is necessary and worth it. If it was easy to do, more people would be taking a daily savasana and the World would be a better place for it.
Discovering What is Blocking You
You may (like I do) discover that there are still things blocking you from doing a daily savasana or mindfulness moment practice. The important thing is to make it a consistent daily practice. You may find that you feel relaxed on a Sunday so you will skip it…please don’t! You need it daily. Even on restful days. Think of it as making a daily deposit in your personal energy bank. Develop a strong practice so on stressful days, you already have an established practice to provide peace.
Journal or Brainstorm on what is blocking you = This is a very raw and honest discussion with yourself. It is a necessary first step. It might go deep into feeling like you do not deserve the time. Or it may be that you just simply forget, it is not on the top of your priority list. But why is it not number one on your daily list? Really diving deep to figure out the root cause will not be a comfortable task but a necessary one. Reminder to be kind and gentle to yourself. For me, it is not easy to put myself first. I tend to take care of others, even the house, before taking time for myself. It is something I am aware of so during my day, I purposefully take my daily savasana at 4pm, no matter what is going on. I found that I am getting more comfortable with stopping what I am doing, and putting myself as a priority. Instead of telling myself I will make time for me, after I get XYZ done. I found it more beneficial to pause in the middle of the XYZ task and take my “me time”.
I am too busy, not enough time = This is rarely the case. I have yet to meet anyone who does not have 5 minutes of free time in their day. This is a reason behind this, return to journaling and figure out the root cause.
It is not working = This is absolutely normal! It may feel like it is not working because your mind is chattering away and you cannot settle. Honestly, it just means you need it more than you think you do. It is a practice for life. Don’t expect instant gratification. Slow down, be gentle and kind to yourself. Write down the repeating random thoughts from your unconscious. See if there are patterns or items to address. If you find yourself really struggling, never hesitate to seek professional help with a trained therapist. Sometimes this practice brings up things we thought we were emotionally over with, it is healthy to detox your mind and emotions.
I just don’t want to = OK. I am not saying this is for everyone. Just that everyone can benefit from it. Come to this practice when you are ready. In the meantime, reduce your screen time daily (cell phones, computer, TV). This will help you to at least find a little slice of peace in your day.
I keep forgetting= I am going to list a ton here since what will work for one person, will likely not work for someone else.
- Set a timer on your cell phone, like a meeting notice, to pause and stop.
- Use a cell phone app which tracks how many consecutive days you stopped and rested. I use Insight Timer in order to set a 20 minute timer and it also automatically logs that I used the app.
- Link the daily savasana with something else in your day. For example, pausing after lunch. Or directly after you were working from home all day, staring at screens (cell phone, computer). You are more likely to remember if it is related to something else in your day, like washing your face is linked to brushing your teeth.
- Make a note to yourself and have it visible; in the kitchen, on your desk, on the bathroom mirror. It can be as simple as the word “Pause” or an inspiring quote you enjoy.
- Get a buddy! Enlist a friend or family member to do this with you. Check in on each other or even text pictures of your savasana setup as a friendly reminder.
Get Cozy
One of the ways to make it a practice you look for to is to make it as comfortable and inviting as possible. If space in your home allows, set aside a designated area for your practice. Over time, you may want to invest in yoga bolsters, etc.
Look around your house and gather pillows, blankets, bath towels, etc. Anything that you find to be cozy. We are making a nest! If you are physically comfortable, you are more likely to spend more time in your mindfulness practice (try for 20 minutes) and also gain more health benefits as well. There is a type of yoga called Restorative. (overview here: Restorative Yoga 101 ) The main goal is to get the body to rest so you can discover more ease.
In order to keep this post shorter, I have detailed some suggestions on reclined poses to try here : Restorative Yoga Reclined Poses
My advice is that you explore multiple setups and find your favorites.
Set your Intention
What are you realistically expecting from your practice? What do you want as a result? Make this personal to you. Even before taking your daily practice, set your intention. It can be a single word or a phrase. Being mindful means that you are focusing your attention and energy towards something you want to grow. Being clear on what this is, will create a richness to your practice and a depth to it.
- Be open
- Self-care
- Allow myself to just be here
- Receive instead of achieve
- Reset and recharge
- Fill up my energy bank
- Put me first
- Create balance
- Embrace silence and stillness
“not many years ago, it was access to information and movement that seemed our greatest luxury; nowadays it’s often freedom from information, the chance to sit still, that feels like the ultimate prize.”
Pico Iyer
I wish you the absolute best on your daily savasana journey. In order to keep up with the latest tips, please subscribe to my twice a month emailed free newsletter: https://carolbaileyyoga.com/newsletter/