Deep rest in Winter

New Year 2022.

Like many, the outset of the pandemic scuppered my plans. I was literally days away from training in Restorative Yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater; a course for which I had been on the waiting list for three years! When finally the course went ahead online, I was so impressed by the body’s ability to rest when supported in the right way, that this time last year I took a follow on course entitled Deep Rest with Mary Richards.

We’re nearly two years into the pandemic and there is still a level of underlying stress and anxiety that is being suppressed. It’s becoming the norm’ and we are in danger of failing to recognise our needs. I hear women everywhere speak about how exhausted they are and how overwhelmed they feel.

Mary spoke a lot about the power of restorative Yoga; how it taps into our brain in such a way that we quieten the amygdala; the alarm bell of the brain that has been signalling fear since the pandemic began. The amygdala gets triggered by the stress response which begins with the release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands. On top of this, at mid-life, our adrenals are also producing oestrone. Our poor adrenal glands become exhausted with high levels of stress and this is when adrenal fatigue sets in (also known as burn out).

To relieve and manage stress and anxiety, it is important to do some strong asana in your practice. It is a way of releasing Cortisol from the muscles so that it can be metabolised by the body, preventing it from doing further damage. Strong poses also build bone density which is vital as the levels of oestrogen are depleted from peri-menopause onwards.

In the dark months of Winter however and especially when we are experiencing adrenal fatigue, deep rest is what we should prioritise. A few strong poses will help but above all, make time for deep rest - slow movement, somatic poses, restorative poses, meditation and breathing.

As women we see it as our responsibility to support others, to nurture and care for our loved ones and friends. But be kind to yourself, it will pay dividends. It will see you into a healthy, contented, relaxed year. You will have the strength to support others, but until then, rest dear ones, rest deeply and be nourished.