Slowing down to stay ahead

Among the many forms of yoga, one often gets overlooked: restorative. This type emphasizes relaxation and a sense of well-being through gentle poses that help the body recover from stress. “YogaNap” by Kristen Rentz (Marlowe & Company, 2005) offers a guide for achieving calm.

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YogaNap: This book offers copious restorative exercises, which are organized into groups for “ultimate relaxation,” boosting the immune system, curing insomnia, relaxing at work and others. The simple floating body rest, for example, is done with blankets supporting the knees, back and neck, and encourages deep physical and mental relaxation. The more challenging lifted camel pose uses a table and blankets to support the back in a modified back bend. Each pose is described in detail and accompanied by hand-drawn illustrations by Kajiah Jacobs. Many incorporate simple props such as blocks, blankets and straps. Restorative poses were a way for “YogaNap” author Kristen Rentz to cope with the stress of law school. Now a Los Angeles entertainment lawyer and yoga instructor, Rentz says such poses are important for maintaining balance. “People want to take care of themselves, but they’re not sure of the best way to do that,” she says. “We’re moving fast at work and moving fast at home, and it’s hard to shift gears and go in the opposite direction. But doing this I feel more energized and awake.”

Price: $15.95, available at bookstores.

-- Jeannine Stein