We could all use a little more relaxation in our lives, don't you think? After all, our fast-paced lifestyles can be pretty stressful, and that stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health if we're not careful.

Yoga is a great way to destress, and there are even certain yoga poses that are specifically designed to help relieve tension and promote relaxation. One of those poses is the ‘supine goddess’ pose, also known as the ‘reclined goddess’ pose. This pose is very easy to do, doesn’t require too much movement AND we can do it in our beds. Which means there’s no excuse not to do it.

The supine goddess pose is a restorative pose that helps the whole body relax. Image source: YogaHolism.

How to do the supine goddess pose:

1. Start seated on the edge of your bed with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor in front of you.
2. Slowly lie back onto your back, allowing your knees to fall open so your legs are in a diamond shape with the bottoms of your feet touching each other. You can place blocks underneath your knees for support if needed.
3. Place your arms comfortably at your sides with palms facing up toward the ceiling.
4. Rest here for 1-5 minutes or longer if you're practising yin yoga or if you’re just simply enjoying the stretch.

If you aren’t too sure how to follow the above steps, you can watch the video below of a yoga instructor demonstrating how to do the pose:

Tips and modifications:

• If you tried placing blocks under your knees but found it uncomfortable, try tucking blankets underneath them instead for added support.
• For extra heart-opening benefits, try reclining with a yoga block running lengthwise up the middle of your back towards your shoulder blades. You can also try this with a rolled-up towel down your spine, it has the same effect it just isn’t as intense and is a lot softer on your body. If this doesn’t feel comfortable for your head/neck, you can also put a block or towel under your head to avoid any pain.
• If you’d like to deepen the pose even more, try extending your arms up towards the ceiling, then back over your head so your hands lay palms up on the floor; while doing this squeeze your shoulder blades down and back, opening up your chest and having your armpits up to face the ceiling.
• Be particularly mindful of any knee or groin injuries before trying this pose. If you’re unsure, please check with your doctor before trying this pose.

What are the benefits of this pose?

So many of us carry a ton of tension around our hips because of all the sitting down we do, and the supine goddess is a great pose for mitigating that tension. In fact, a lot of ‘yogis’ love doing this pose right before bed, stating that the ‘restorative pose is great to do before bed seeing it helps the whole body relax, wind down, and prepare for rest’. According to registered yoga teacher Claire Grieve, who previously said this is her favourite restorative pose, ‘Just a few minutes in “reclined goddess” will leave you feeling like a whole new person.’

April has an additional trick because she was coincidentally doing yoga last night. For optimal benefits, let your thoughts come and go like waves. If you find yourself thinking of something, simply acknowledge it and move back to trying to empty your mind. Even just 30 seconds of peace in your mind can make a difference.

But if you’d rather try this pose while planning what tomorrow has in store for you, that works too!

So, what do you think, members? Will you be giving the supine goddess pose a try? Or are you not a fan of yoga? We’d love to know!

 

[888D.C888]

Makes a lot of sense. I have done this & it works!

 

[ElleJay]

I have a chronic hip problem (bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy) and there is no way I could do this!

 

[Ezzy]

Could be just what l need before bed to help me wind down @ 2am. I find it hard to sleep at night & stay awake for a while when l get there.