After an hour of hell in the form of hot power yoga, there is nothing like savasana. Even now I can feel myself laying on the mat, eyes closed, legs straight out in front of me, hands along my sides with my palms facing the sky, sinking into the ground. Yes, savasana is the end to every yoga practice, where you have the opportunity to let go of your day and your pains and just be in the moment. Relax. 

I think the downward dog, chaturanga, and sit-ups are essentials. Building strength and tuning into your body and breath are necessary skills. However, the most imperative part of the yoga practice is the end- the savasana.

Yoga is not for everybody, and I understand that. I believe that you can apply the concept of savasana to your life. Like the practice of yoga, life stretches and tries us. It has its triumphs, but sometimes we lose our balance. At times, we must be careful to not overextend ourselves. Always, we must maintain stability of mind, body and soul. What calms you down and takes you away from the world? It can be reading, sailing, singing, football- heck it can be knitting. Your savasana is what makes you unique. Only you know what makes you tick, so only you know how to fix it. 

It is beyond important to know what your healthy fix is. In simple terms, it is your outlet. You know those days that you wake up stressed? It's difficult to find time to relax when you have an 8-page paper to write, chapter to read, an afternoon shift at the restaurant, or dinner plans with a high school friend. Not to mention checking Facebook, updating Twitter, and getting your daily Insta posted with the perfect filter and hashtags at a time of day that you know you will get a high number of likes. This goes on, day after day, and it starts to break you down. It is a physically and mentally draining life that we live. Society does not give us much of a chance to take a break. We have to make sure to give it to ourselves. Our brains get fried and our immune systems become run down. It’s not worth it to go, go, go, just to end up sick and unhappy. 

Even if you have a million things to get done by the ungodly hour you go to sleep, taking the time for your savasana is worth it. It is not procrastinating or wasting time. It can completely refresh you, and just when you thought you were on your way down and out, you get a burst of power and energy. That is perhaps the magic of the savasana. It jolts through you and gives you a second chance at your day. Whether I do my yoga practice at 8:00 am or 8:00 pm, I know when I complete the hour with savasana I have the opportunity to reset my attitude. The negativity is left behind, and the optimism helps me with my productivity. I not only feel better, I feel great. Remember how important it is to respect you, and take time to care for yourself. Live your life healthily. Find your savasana.