Guidelines for Instructing Restorative Yoga Practices

Guidelines for Instructing Restorative Yoga Practices

Taking a Chill Pill: Mastering Restorative Yoga

1. Chill out firstGear up for success by starting with a 15-minute relaxation to set the mood for an hour-long session, or a 5-minute relaxation for shorter classes.

2. Aim high... and clearDefine the objective of each class, communicating it clearly to students. Need some inspiration? Try these themed sessions:

• Anti-stress and fibromyalgia sequence
• Reducing anxiety & agitation sequence
• Exhaustion sequence
• Removing stomach-acidity sequence
• Anti-headache sequence
• Combat Lazy-bowel-syndrome sequence
• Sequence for PMS and menopause
• Reducing post-traumatic stress sequence
• Anti-insomnia sequence
• Boost the respiratory system sequence

3. Easy does itPay attention to transitions—they make all the difference in Restorative Yoga. Transitions should feel smooth and effortless.

4. Let it goEncourage students to surrender their bodies fully against the props. Use verbal cues to help them let go and find relaxation.

5. Wrapping it upEnd each class with a guided relaxation of 5-10 minutes to help students wind down.

Safety First: Protecting Your Students During Class

Here's a cheat sheet for keeping students safe during Restorative Yoga classes:

1. Get the green lightAlways remind students to consult their doctors before starting yoga.
2. Slow and steadyRemind students that even gentle poses can be deep and effective, and to immediately inform the teacher if they feel pain in sensitive areas, such as the neck.
3. Mind the gapsStudents with heart problems, ongoing infections, glaucoma, eye problems, and other specific conditions should avoid inverted postures. Students menstruating should take care with prone poses and avoid putting too much pressure on the belly.
4. Timing is everythingStudents should rest for at least 10 minutes before driving after a Restorative Yoga session.
5. Practice safe yogaTeach students to practice with the right attitude, focusing on being present and noticing their body's cues to avoid accidents.
6. Emotional rollercoasterBe prepared to compassionately handle students' emotional releases, common during Restorative Yoga classes.

Restorative Yoga: Emotions in Practice

Dive into the mysterious world of emotions that often surface during Restorative Yoga classes. Reflect on the intricate connection between thoughts, emotions, and self-identification. Restorative Yoga can help students detach from conditioned beliefs and allow them to accept emotions without being defined by them. Be ready to navigate tears, anger, lack of focus, and other emotional outbursts.

Restorative Yoga for a Busy Life

Teach your students to make time for Restorative Yoga in their hectic lives, even if they can only spare a few minutes. Focus on helping students reconnect with the present moment through conscious breathing, encouraging short relaxation sessions at work or home, and creating short Restorative Yoga videos to follow during the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help your students get the most out of their Restorative Yoga practice at home with these answers to common questions:

1. I don't have much timeEncourage students to start with one pose a day and a breathing exercise, gradually building up to a 20-minute practice.

2. What's the best pose or sequence to start with?Advise students to begin with a simple pose or a brief sequence, adjusting based on their comfort level and fitness goals.

3. I don't have space at homeEncourage students to find a quiet, well-ventilated area, such as a corner or in front of the couch, and use a storage box to keep props and the mat organized.

4. What should I wear?Recommend warm, comfortable clothing that isn't too constricting. Avoid synthetic fabrics.

5. When should I practice?Share your personal experiences on the benefits of practicing yoga in the morning, evening, or even during the day.

6. Can I eat something before practicing Restorative Yoga?Advise students to practice on an empty stomach.

7. Is there a risk of injury if I do it wrong?Stress the importance of proper alignment and communication, ensuring students exit a pose if they feel discomfort and have props on hand for support.

8. What should I do if I feel pain? Encourage students to exit the pose, modify it with props, seek assistance from the instructor, and re-enter the pose with adjustments if necessary.

9. How do I keep track of the time?Suggest using a timer or a phone away from easy reach to minimize distractions.

10. How can I stay focused?Offer tips on how to create a quiet, clutter-free space, practice with empty stomach, and minimize distractions to enhance focus during the session.

1. Holistic Well-beingTailor Restorative Yoga classes to address various aspects of wellness, incorporating sessions focused on mental health, fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and lifestyle.

2. Science and Self-discoveryExplore the scientific intricacies of Restorative Yoga, its impact on stress reduction, emotional development, and overall health, combining our understanding of the practice with students' unique experiences.

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