How To Do Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Unleash the true potential of your yoga practice with corpse pose. The final pose that can transform your body and mind. Don’t let its deceptively simple appearance fool you.
As this resting pose plays a vital role in helping you integrate all the benefits of your active asana routine. Experience a sense of renewed vitality and inner peace, by allowing your body and mind to fully relax and release tension. Give the asana the attention it deserves and see how it transforms you – body and mind!
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Here are the steps to perform Corpse Pose (Savasana):
- Begin by lying on your back on your mat.
- Allow your feet to fall open and your arms to rest by your sides, with your palms facing up.
- Close your eyes and allow your body to relax.
- Take a deep inhale, filling your belly with air, and then exhale slowly.
- Scan your body from head to toe, and consciously release any tension or tightness.
- Focus on your breath and allow it to become slow and steady.
- Remain in the pose for 5-10 minutes, or longer if you have the time.
- To come out of the pose, begin to wiggle your fingers and toes, and then slowly roll over onto your right side.
- Use your right arm to support your head, and then take a few deep breaths.
- Slowly press yourself up to a seated position, with your eyes still closed.
Tips:
- Allow your body to completely relax in the pose.
- Use props such as blankets or pillows under your knees, or a bolster under your back to make yourself more comfortable.
- Focus on your breath and allow it to become slow and steady.
- If you have trouble quieting your mind, you can try focusing on a specific word or phrase to help you relax.
Understanding The Benefits Of Savasana
Yoga students love this position. This is a relaxing and rejuvenating posture that helps you release tension, calm your mind, and improve overall wellbeing.
The posture offers numerous benefits, including improved sleep quality, reduced stress levels, and increased focus. By allowing yourself to fully relax in this pose, you give your sympathetic nervous system the opportunity to reset and recharge.
As you lay on your back with eyes closed, deep breathing will help slow down your heart rate and bring awareness to any areas of discomfort or tension in your body.
Over time, regular practice can lead to greater physical and mental health, enhancing your ability to navigate daily challenges with ease. So let’s get started by preparing for it!
Preparing For Savasana
Preparing can be just as important as the pose itself. After all, it’s not every day that we get to fully relax and surrender our bodies.
You want to set yourself up for success by creating a comfortable and supportive environment so you can release any lingering tension in your body. Firstly, start with breath awareness.
Take a few deep inhales through your nose and exhale slowly out of your mouth. This will help calm your mind and bring focus inward. Secondly, consider using props such as blankets or bolsters to support areas like your lower back or neck.
Thirdly, adjust for injuries accordingly – if you have an injury or pain in a certain area, use extra support under that part of the body. Lastly, create a peaceful atmosphere by dimming lights, playing soft music and draping an eye pillow over your eyes.
4 things to keep in mind when preparing for Savasana:
- Breath awareness
- Using props
- Adjusting for injuries
- Creating a peaceful atmosphere
Finding comfortable alignment is crucial in allowing the body to fully relax during Savasana. Let go of any unnecessary effort and allow gravity to take over. The goal is complete relaxation while maintaining consciousness.
Take this time for yourself and let go of anything outside of this moment on your yoga mat.

Finding Comfortable Alignment
Get ready to fully relax with savasana by finding comfortable alignment. Lay on your back with legs straight and slightly apart, and feet naturally falling outward.
Adjust your posture if needed to avoid discomfort or pain. Use a pillow under your head or knees to support your spine and ease tension. Stay aligned and start focusing on breath awareness.
Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth. Let go of any thoughts or stress from the day and sink into the mat. Enhance relaxation by using blankets or eye pillows.
Surrender completely to stillness, quiet your mind and body, and enjoy the full benefits of savasana.
Relaxing The Mind And Body
So, you’ve mastered the art of corpse pose and feel completely relaxed lying on your mat like a lifeless body. But wait, there’s more! Yes, we can take this relaxation to a whole new level by incorporating some mindfulness practices.
Firstly, let’s focus on our breathing techniques. Close your eyes and take deep breaths in through your nose while counting to four, hold for two seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth counting to six.
Do this for five rounds and notice how it calms down your mind and body. Next, try visualization exercises where you picture yourself floating on clouds or in an ocean surrounded by calmness.
These visualizations help ease anxiety and bring about inner peace. By practicing these simple techniques regularly during savasana, you will soon find that it becomes easier to relax both physically and mentally.
Exiting Savasana Gracefully
After taking the time to relax and calm your mind, it’s now time to move into the yoga pose. This pose may seem simple, but it can be one of the most challenging poses in yoga because it requires complete relaxation.
To start, lie on your back with your legs extended out in front of you and arms at your sides, palms facing upward. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
As you continue to breathe deeply, try visualizing each part of your body relaxing starting from the tips of your toes all the way up to the crown of your head. Allow yourself to sink deeper into the mat with each exhale.
If you find that you’re having trouble completely letting go, consider incorporating props such as an eye pillow or blanket under your knees for added support and comfort.
Remember that this yoga pose is not only important for physical rest but also mental clarity and rejuvenation. Take this time for yourself without any judgment or expectations. Just allow yourself to fully surrender to relaxation at the end of a yoga class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Do Savasana If I Have Trouble Lying Flat On My Back?
If you have trouble lying flat on your back. There are alternatives and modifications that you can do to get the benefits of the yoga pose.
You could try placing a bolster or pillow under your knees to alleviate discomfort in your lower back. Another alternative is to lie on your side with a pillow between your legs for support.
These modifications will allow you to fully relax and reap the benefits of this restorative pose. Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed.
How Long Should I Stay In Savasana?
Let’s talk about the benefits and effects on the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s a pose that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced practitioners alike, with different variations to suit your level of practice.
One hypothetical example is someone who has been experiencing stress at work and wants to incorporate more relaxation into their daily routine.
By incorporating savasana into their regular yoga practice, they can achieve maximum relaxation and experience the full benefits of this meditative pose.
So how long should you stay in the pose? Typically around 10-15 minutes, but it ultimately depends on what feels comfortable for your body.
Remember, the goal is to fully surrender and let go of any tension or worry – so take as much time as you need to reach that state of deep relaxation.
Can I Listen To Music Or Guided Meditation During Savasana?
When it comes to practicing. Some may wonder if listening to music or a guided meditation is beneficial. While there are benefits to incorporating these elements into your practice, there are also drawbacks.
Listening to music can help create a relaxing atmosphere and drown out any outside distractions. But it may be distracting in itself. Similarly, following a guided meditation can provide structure and focus for the mind.
But it may not allow for self-guided exploration. Ultimately, whether you choose music or silence. Guided or self-guided practice should depend on what feels best for you at that moment.
Remember, the purpose of this yoga sequence is to fully surrender. And release tension from both body and mind before returning back to the world feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
What If I Fall Asleep During Savasana?
Falling asleep and feeling heavy during the asana is like drifting off into a deep, peaceful abyss. It’s one of the many benefits of this pose, that helps you release tension and relax your mind and body.
However, if you’re anxious about falling asleep or worried about missing out on the experience. There are ways to avoid it. Try focusing on your breath or visualizing a calming scene in your mind.
Remember, it’s not just about physical rest, but also mental rejuvenation. So allow yourself to fully surrender and let go of any worries or distractions. With practice, you’ll find that falling asleep during this pose can be a blissful part of your yoga practice.
Can I Use Props, Like A Bolster Or Blanket, During Shavasana?
Props, can be incredibly helpful during your yoga pose practice. Not only do they provide physical support for the body. But they also help to calm the mind and deepen relaxation.
When using props, it’s important to place them properly so that you feel comfortable and supported. Some advanced variations of prop usage may include placing a folded blanket under the knees.
Or using an eye pillow to enhance relaxation even further. Overall, incorporating props into your practice can greatly enhance its benefits. And allow for a deeper sense of rest and rejuvenation.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about how to do corpse pose! Remember, this pose is an essential part of a end of a yoga practice. It allows your body time to rest and integrate all the hard work you’ve done during your practice.
If lying flat on your back is uncomfortable for you, try placing a bolster or blanket under your knees. And if you’re worried about falling asleep, don’t be! Falling asleep during this pose can actually be beneficial for your mind and body.
Now that you have the tools to properly do Savasana. Take some time in each of your yoga practices to really sink into this pose. Turn off distractions like music or guided meditations and allow yourself to fully relax and let go. Trust me, your mind and body will thank you for it!