Constructive Rest Position

This is changing my life.  Literally.

For years, I have had super-tight psoas problems, particularly on my left side.  Sometimes it's worse than others (I actually think it's related to the endometriosis), but it's always bad.

So last week, I was googling around as I'm wont to do, looking for interesting alternative medicine stuff, when I came across this Constructive Rest Position.  Basically, lay on your back, knees bent (tie a belt or scarf or something around your mid-thigh so you can relax and not have to think about holding them "in place"), arms relaxed (at your side or resting on your tummy), and just lay there.  For 30 minutes.  Sometimes I have the TV on - keep your head flat (not on a pillow or anything) and turn it to the side to watch.  Sometimes I read a book - but having to hold your arms up in the air sort of defeats the purpose of "rest".  Sometimes I just lay there, eyes closed, listening to music or whatever. 

To be honest, it feels a little weird.  Especially the first couple of times you do it, when everything that is tight and out of whack starts to shift around to be where it's supposed to be, and you get the deep, deep stretch through your back and butt.  But just hang in there - let it feel weird - it gets better the more often you do it. 

In less than a week, doing this once or twice a day, my back feels tons better.  Tons.  I can actually bend over - the muscles are loose and relaxed and able to do what they're supposed to do.  I can sit cross-legged much, much more easily.   I'm standing with better posture.  My hamstrings and calf are not nearly as tight as they've been. And also, it's just relaxing. Try this first thing in the morning, or before you go to bed. (Or both!)

The first time or two I did it, 30 minutes was a long time.  There was definitely a stretch by the end of that 30 mins, and it was pretty sore.  Plus I was stiff from laying in one position for so long.  But the more I do that, the better it gets.  The soreness and stiffness has definitely decreased, and in fact, I laid like this for about an hour tonight while I watched a movie.  Just keep at it, and you'll fall in love with it, I guarantee! 

Bonus: How often do we really actually rest?  Take a half-hour for yourself, not doing anything, just resting - during the kids' naptime or whenever - and see how amazing you feel - you'll be more productive in the end!