A yoga pose i find helpful

[sun seeker]

I've been doing this pose whenever anxiety threatens to overwhelm me while at home. It really does calm me right down. I wanted to share it in case it helps others.

Get a large bolster or something of a similar size and shape, like a few big pillows squished up or a yoga mat around a pillow. It should be long enough to cover from about your sternum to your pubic bone. Put on floor.

Lie face down on top of it, the top end somewhere under your chest, your forehead on the floor (you might need padding - obviously leave yourself room to breathe), arms stretched out in front of you so your forearms and hands are on the floor, legs bent at about a 120 degree angle from your torso (or however is comfortable). Your legs will touch the floor from the inside corner of the knees to the feet.

Lie there and breathe. Keep repeating that you are safe, or whatever feels right. After about a minute of this I am sighing with relief, and only stop when my arms start to go to sleep. If anyone tries it, I'd be interested to hear how it goes.

 

[Nam]

I'll give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[KwanYingirl]

Sounds good I can do it at my office!

 

[Friday]

If you gel with your body being on different levels being relaxing...

Try putting a mattress on the floor and sleeping half on/ half off of it! It is (or can be) keeee-razy comfortable & relaxing. I typically sleep on my stomach and have my hips and legs on the floor, upper body on the mattress. My friend D, on the other hand, sleeps on his back and prefers his upper body on the floor, and legs (and sometimes hips) on the mattress.

 

[Nam]

My arms were asleep quite quickly, but I've been having issues with left hand numbness lately. It's making typing really difficult. I also had trouble breathing...so I must be doing it wrong. Maybe a smaller pillow?

 

[sun seeker]

I don't know, I haven't had trouble breathing, maybe I got lucky with the pillow. I do have the same problem with arms going numb. Too bad, because otherwise it's so relaxing.

 

[Chava]

Maybe try a folded or rolled towel under the arms? This sounds good. My bolster is all squished and useless. But I do love Child's pose and puppy dog pose...something about resting my forehead on the floor. Or supported child's pose while resting my head on my dog and feel his slow and steady breathing, he's always super strong and mellow...super good if I allow myself to just slow down that much.