Recent Articles in Relaxation

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to calm and soothe you. In this practice you will inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right. Breathing in through the left nostril links to the right hemisphere of the brain, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to stimulate and energise you - inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Breathing in through the right nostril links to the left hemisphere of the brain, bringing a sense of being brighter and more alert. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A relaxing meditation to bring about feelings of calm and wellbeing.

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 1 hour, 21 minutes

Emphasis:   Yin Yoga is a slow, quiet practice where the poses are held for much longer than in other types of yoga to stretch the connective tissue of the body more fully. If you haven't done any Yin Yoga before please take a look at this blog post to get a little more information about the practice before you start this class. 

Props needed: A block and a blanket.

Mat direction: It doesn't matter - you can do this class without a mat if you like.

Duration: 31 minutes

Emphasis:  Enjoy some quiet time to rejuvenate yourself and let the stresses and strains of the day melt away as you relax supported by a bolster.

Props needed: A yoga bolster (or if you don't have one you can improvise using a pillow, your yoga mat and a blanket - I'll show you how at the beginning of the video), 2 blocks, an extra blanket to make a pillow or pad your shoulder and optional 2 more blankets or towels to support under your thighs in Supta Baddha Konasana if you find that helpful

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen unless you're using your mat as a bolster in which case make sure to practice on carpet so you can be comfortable.

Duration: 50 minutes

Emphasis:  Yin Yoga is a slow, quiet practice where the poses are held for much longer than in other types of yoga to stretch the connective tissue of the body more fully. If you haven't done any Yin Yoga before please take a look at this blog post to get a little more information about the practice before you start this class.

Props needed: A blanket or block to sit on and possibly a rolled blanket or towel to prop your shins when sitting in cross-legged position.

Mat direction: It doesn't matter - a mat is optional, not necessary.

Duration: 10 minutes

Emphasis:  This practice will take you deep into relaxation - your awareness will be guided around 61 points of the body, pausing briefly at each one before moving on to the next. You'll become less aware of the outer world and just have a quiet awareness of your inner world, hovering on the edge of sleep. Note: there is the possibility that you will fall asleep so you might wish to set a timer in case you don't hear the end of the class. Yoga Nidra is a helpful practice to do if you find meditation challenging because your mind won't quieten down. You'll feel deeply relaxed and refreshed afterwards.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 9 minutes

Emphasis: This pranayama practice will ensure you are using your diaphragm fully - it's an important part of your breathing apparatus which, if you always breath quite shallowly can lose its flexibility and movement just like any other unused muscle. This is a very relaxing practice and will leave you feeling spacious and calm.

Props needed: A block and space to lie down.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 11 minutes

Emphasis: This meditation will help when you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or distracted. It will bring you right back to the present moment as you become aware of each of the 5 senses.

Props needed: A block or a blanket to sit on.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 27 minutes

Emphasis: Enjoy some quiet time in the restorative pose of Viparita Karani. We'll also explore some variations so you can stretch the inner thighs, outer hips and over the glutes too.

Props needed: Some wall space, a block, a blanket and an optional belt or tie.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 15 minutes

Emphasis: Deep relaxation for body and mind

Props needed: None necessary but you might prefer to have 2 blocks and a blanket to support your back or maybe 3 rolled blankets to support under your legs.

Mat Direction: Long edge of mat facing the screen.

Duration: 17 minutes

Emphasis: Rest in these 3 supported poses to help you deeply stretch and completely relax

Props needed: 2 blocks, a blanket, yoga bolster (if you don't have a yoga bolster I'll show you how to make your own using your mat, a pillow and a blanket.

Mat Direction: Long edge of mat facing the screen.