Hats off to the guy who made Savasanah part of the yoga sutras. A pose that requires you to do nothing more than just lie there. Genius. “More muscles relax in Savasanah than in any other pose. Anything else has compression or tension. This gives your body the opportunity to refresh and restore itself,” says Rama Berch, founder of Svaroopa yoga, a school emphasizing tension release and relaxation. Just don’t fall asleep. “A 20 minute nap is wonderful but Savasanah is even more healing and rejuvenating because it quiets the mind.” For those days when the only asana you strike is Cell Phone to Ear While Typing with One Hand pose, take a few minutes for this rejuvenating exercise.

Corpse Pose (Savasanah)
The benefit: De-stress body and mind

1. Set a timer for 20 minutes (20 minutes is best, but even 5 or 10 will help if you are pressed for time) and lie on your back on the floor with two bolsters or three pillows under your knees. Raising your knees takes pressure off your spine, allowing the disks and muscles to release tension, and helps circulation get into tight areas.

2. Place your arms near your sides with your palms facing the ceiling or bend your elbows and place your palms on your stomach.

3. If you have neck tension, use a thin pillow under your head, which will realign your head so your forehead and chin are level.

4. Listen to a guided relaxation tape, or simply relax each area of your body in sequence until you drift into a peaceful place.