🧘 The Yoga Flow: Why You’re Not Feeling Relaxed After Yoga

Hello, beautiful soul. 🌿 Ever finished a yoga session expecting pure bliss, only to feel… tense? You’re not alone. Yoga is meant to calm the mind and body, but sometimes, stress lingers. This week, let’s uncover why that happens—and how to truly find relaxation on your mat.

🧐Why Yoga Isn't Relaxing You (Yet!)

If yoga isn’t leaving you feeling as Zen as you hoped, here are a few possible reasons:

1️⃣ You're Rushing Through the Practice

Yoga isn’t just about movement; it’s about mindfulness. If you’re powering through poses without syncing breath to movement, your nervous system might still be in fight-or-flight mode. Solution: Slow down, breathe deeply, and stay present in each pose.

2️⃣ You’re Holding Onto Tension

Your body carries stress in hidden places—shoulders, jaw, hips. Even during yoga, tight muscles can resist relaxation. Solution: Do a quick body scan before and after practice to notice where you're holding tension. Consciously release it.

3️⃣ Skipping Savasana (Final Relaxation Pose)

Savasana isn’t just lying down—it’s when your nervous system integrates all the benefits of your practice. Skipping it can leave you feeling unsettled. Solution: Stay in Savasana for at least 5 minutes, letting your body absorb the practice.

4️⃣ Your Mind is Still Racing

If your thoughts are stuck on emails or to-do lists, yoga might not fully reach your nervous system. Solution: Try a simple mantra like "I am here, I am present." Repeat it throughout your flow.

5️⃣ You're Practicing Too Intensely

Sometimes, pushing too hard can overstimulate rather than relax you. Solution: Listen to your body. Some days, a gentle Yin session may serve you better than a power flow.

Relaxation isn’t just about movement—it’s about intention. This week, try these small shifts and see if your yoga practice finally brings that deep calm you’re looking for. 🌿✨

🧎‍♂️ Pose of the Week: Reclined Butterfly (Supta Baddha Konasana) 🦋

A deeply restorative pose that opens the hips and encourages total relaxation.

How to do it:
1️⃣ Lie on your back and bring the soles of your feet together, letting your knees drop open.
2️⃣ Place one hand on your belly and one on your heart.
3️⃣ Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and let go of any tension.

🛑 Challenge: Stay here for 5+ minutes, fully surrendering to relaxation.

🕊️ Mindfulness Corner: The 4-7-8 Breath

This simple breathing technique slows the heart rate and soothes the nervous system:

🌬️ Inhale for 4 seconds
🌬️ Hold for 7 seconds
🌬️ Exhale for 8 seconds

Repeat 4 times. Feel the shift.

💡 Motivational Corner: The Ripple Effect

A single drop creates ripples across a whole lake. Small actions lead to big shifts.

Even if today’s yoga session didn’t feel perfect, trust that it’s still benefiting you. Every deep breath, every mindful movement is creating change beneath the surface. Keep showing up.

🎶 Sounds for Your Practice

This week’s track: "Deep Rest" by Yoga Chill Sounds 🌊
Perfect for winding down after practice.

📖 Yoga Reads & Resources

📖 Must-Read: "The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hanh

A beautiful reminder to bring mindfulness into every moment.

Thank you for being a part of our journey! 🌿✨ Stay mindful, stay flexible, and keep shining your inner light.

With gratitude,
Light Up Yoga Team 🧘‍♀️💛