Deep Rest. De-Stress 

Restorative Yoga

Introduction

Everyone responds to stress differently. Some stress can be useful to help with challenging situations for example, however an overload of stress can and does have serious negative effects on mind and body. 

Deep Rest provides an opportunity to pause, to tune into your body and hear the whisper of your innate wisdom. This yoga practice offers refined tools that help clear the pathway to better health, both on and off the mat. 

When the body and mind are relaxed, the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is able to operate. It releases hormones into the bloodstream, lowers the heart rate, slows the breath, quietens the brain. Everything in the body slows down.           

The opposite state is when the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is in charge. This system secretes hormones like adrenaline and cortisol and results in a faster heart and breathing rate, elevating blood pressure. This is commonly referred to as the 'fight, flight or freeze' response.        

It is normal and healthy to have both these states. Stress and the SNS are necessary to keep us safe. For example, if you were bush walking and saw a snake, your immediate response would be to quickly retreat to safety. You would then need time for your body to recover from this experience, and enable the stress hormones to subside through rest (PSNS dominance).  

A healthy individual has the ability to self-regulate - the ability to flow between these two states. Animals do this beautifully. A cat can be resting in the sun (PSNS dominant), hears a dog close by, immediately springs into action and sprints to a safe place (SNS dominant). Once the danger has passed, the cat returns to a restful state and gradually the PSNS becomes dominant.        

The Deep Rest. De-Stress program offers the skills to find that place of rest and allow your body/mind to recalibrate and repair. People often report how much energy they have after these practices.    

How does this program work?

• This therapeutic online yoga program is designed to guide you to your place of rest so that you can build resilience and develop the ability to reduce stress effectively.
• Sessions are offered on an individual basis and adapted to meet your needs and specific health conditions.

Why would I need this?

• To avoid high levels of stress leading to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression, to name just a few.
• When stress levels stay elevated, with no respite, our health suffers.

What's involved?

Preliminary

• Complete a Health Check Questionnaire.
• 20 minute complimentary Zoom consultation to clarify your needs & check your electronic device set up for yoga practice.

Each 90 minute session includes:

• A 5-10 minute check-in.
• Approximately 30 minutes of yoga with slow, mindful, body focused movement. This brings the focus inwards, and prepares your physical body and mind for deep rest.
• Pranayama (breathing practice). 
• One or two restorative yoga poses, depending on your needs. The final pose is lying in savasana (pose of relaxation). You will be guided to find a position of ease and comfort, often supported by blankets and pillows.
• This Youtube video demonstrates the Stonehenge verson of Savasana.

   

   

Follow up

• You will receive an email of encouragement to continue your practice.

How many sessions do I need?

• A minimum of 3 sessions to start with.

Can I do a trial session to see if I like it?

• Yes. If you are unfamiliar with slow yoga a single session is recommended, however this does not include the Initial 20 minute complimentary consultation.

What is the fee? 

Will I get a recording of the session?

Yes, for a fee and with your consent each Zoom session can be recorded and emailed for future practice.

It takes practice to settle into Deep Rest. Initially, most find that guidance helps to settle the body and the mind, and over time, with practice, you will be able to settle into Deep Rest without guidance.

What do I need?

A warm space where you will not be disturbed.

Props. A collection of blankets, pillows and anything around the home that vaguely resembles traditional yoga studio props e.g. coffee table, couch pillows, washing basket, foam rollers.

This Youtube video gives examples of home props.

What times are available?

Mondays and Tuesdays, 07:30am to 19:00 by appointment.

Alternative times are negotiable.

Do I need to practice for 1:5 hours every day?

Ideally, yes!

However, any amount of time is better than none.

Rather than practice yoga, you may prefer to go for a walk or a jog and then settle into savasana.

It's recommended that you practice savasana 20 minutes daily.

Why do I need to do 20 minutes in savasana?

Research has shown it takes approximately 15 minutes for the nervous system to settle.

If we allow another 5 minutes we may move into a deeply restful state that many describe as 'going somewhere'. Judith Hanson Lasater, Restorative Yoga Trainer, says that in this state, "the only way we know we have been there is when we come back from it".

How do I make a booking?

Contact Cath via phone (0419 229 666) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Is there anything else I need to know?

It is advisable not to eat a main meal two hours prior to a session, however a light snack is fine.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Ensure you have a quiet, undisturbed environment to participate in Deep Rest. De-Stress

Kind Words from Clients

"It was amazing. Thank you so much. It took me from heightened anxiety back to calm which was with me all day. I loved it Cath. You are so good at it and it's such a healing and nurturing process"

~ Ruth Park, Retired with recent Breast Cancer diagnosis      

"You have a gift Cath! Today's session was amazing, I feel like a different person after today, like more centred, relaxed into my bones. So good. Thank you".

~ Dr Mitzi-Jane Liddle, Clinical Psychologist

"Thank you for creating such a serene and safe space, to turn off from the outside world and be completely embraced into a new world or relaxation and peace"

~ K.L., Mother