Afternoon Savasana Break

I’ve been doing my part to jump-start our relaxation meme. (Have you?!) I convinced my husband to practice Savasana every day! I’m thrilled to welcome him, and his playful approach to this practice, here to tell you about it.

by Derek Hoffman

I used to be anti-yoga. I wasn’t opposed to the practice per se; I just didn’t feel right calling myself a yogi because wasn’t in a regular yoga routine. When my back was sore, I’d do “six directions of the spine.” When my heart was racing from anxiety, I’d focus on my breath. Being that my wife is a yoga teacher, she has to be embarrassed of my yoga-ignorance. [Editors Note – She’s not!]

When I started on my quest to stop drinking coffee (let me explain before you hurl your mugs at me!), I consulted Jennifer for advice. I had noticed some adverse health reactions from my coffee addiction. My stomach was sore…my hands were jittery…my singing voice had gone flat. (That last one was just a test to see if you stuck with me after I dissed your main source of fuel.)

The advice I needed stemmed from the noticeable “brain fuzz” I was experiencing in the afternoons. Coffee used to clear up the fuzz so I could get work done. Without a cup of the “nectar,” my afternoons were a waste. Therein lies the dilemma. Do I sacrifice my health and well-being for productivity?

Much to my chagrin, Jennifer’s advice was simple. Do yoga.

After I laughed for a second (that’s her response to everything), she gave me more detailed advice. Do Savasana every afternoon.

After my first try, Jennifer asked how it went. I joked and said it was an awesome “Sa-vasa-nap.” I fell asleep and a 20-minute Savasana turned into an hour-long nap.

I’ve finally gotten the routine down so I don’t fall asleep. When I’m done, I feel refreshed. My mind is clear. My eyes are clear. I feel like a million dollars. After seeing the quality of work I am able to do post-Savasana, I seriously considered making it a ritual at the top of each hour. (Evidently you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to your Savasana practice!)

My advice to you – take a pass on the $5.00 frapa-moca-espresso-doublewhip-pumpkinshot-latte and grab some empty real estate on the floor. Now, let’s all close our eyes, do nothing for 20 minutes and brace for a super-productive afternoon!

Any coffee addicts out there willing to give this a try?