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Serenity in Scrubs – Savasana: A Nurse's Guide to True Rest

A woman laying on a green yoga mat in corpse pose. The background is darker with a spotlight on her on the ground.
Savasana

After the beeping monitors, bustling hallways, and long hours on your feet, it's no surprise that your body craves rest. But what about your mind? For nurses who give so much of themselves to others, learning to relax fully, both physically and mentally, can be a radical act of self-care. Enter Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose.

Savasana is traditionally the final pose in any yoga practice. Though it may look like "just lying down," it's considered one of the most profound and essential parts of the class. B.K.S. Iyengar, the father of modern yoga, recommends holding the pose for 10 to 15 minutes to receive its full benefits (Light on Yoga, 1979).


Why Savasana Is Perfect for Nurses


Savasana is deceptively simple. It's not physically strenuous, yet it can be one of the most challenging poses to master. Why? Because it asks you to be still, completely still, and fully present. No charting. No shift report. No alarms. Just you, your breath, and the quiet unfolding of rest.


How to Practice Savasana


  1. Lie on your back on a yoga mat or even your bed. Let your body sink into the surface beneath you.

  2. Place your arms at your sides, palms facing up, slightly away from your body.

  3. Let your legs extend naturally, allowing the feet to fall open.

  4. Close your eyes and soften the muscles in your face and jaw.

  5. Breathe deeply and evenly. Try inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of four.

  6. Stay awake but relaxed. Savasana isn't a nap—it's intentional rest.

  7. Remain in the pose for at least five minutes or longer if time allows.


Benefits of Savasana for Nurses


  • Quiets the mind and soothes mental fatigue

  • Calms the nervous system after a hectic shift

  • It helps regulate stress hormones

  • Restores depleted energy reserves

  • Encourages mindfulness and inner peace


Savasana offers a rare moment of stillness in the fast-paced world of nursing. Practicing it regularly—even just a few minutes a day—can be a gentle but powerful tool for resetting your body and mind. Consider it your daily prescription for serenity.


Reference

Iyengar, B.K. (1979). Light on yoga. New York: Schocken Books.


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