We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Constructive Rest?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,533
Share

Constructive rest is a practice which is part of the Alexander Technique, a discipline which is designed to help people unlearn bad physical and mental habits. You do not have to subscribe to the Alexander Technique to benefit from constructive rest, however, and you can often find variations of it being advocated by an assortment of people in a variety of disciplines, from yoga to acting. Fans of constructive rest say that daily sessions create long-term benefits.

Much of the Alexander Technique is focused on encouraging people to relax, to rid their bodies of tension so that they can strengthen core muscles and learn new ways of thinking and moving which benefit their bodies. The goal of the Technique is to find a state of healthy balance, rather than being too tense or too relaxed. Constructive rest is often a part of sessions with instructors, and it can also be practiced independently.

During constructive rest, people lie on their backs with their heads supported and their knees drawn up, creating a very relaxed position. As they lie down, they focus on areas of tension in their bodies, encouraging their bodies to release the tension. While lying in the constructive rest pose, the mind is emptied, and the practitioner focuses on breathing. The post may be held for 20-30 minutes, allowing the body to relax and rejuvenate.

Supposedly, regular constructive rest will help people to feel more calm and focused. It will also relax the body and mind, creating a state in which one experiences much less stress. It can also be used to relax and defuse stress after tense situations, whether they are long car rides which force the body to hold awkward poses or intense board meetings.

To practice constructive rest, you will need a padded flat surface; carpeting works very well. You can use a yoga block or a stack of books to support your head, ideally creating a pose where your face is parallel with the ceiling, not dragging back against your spine or crunched into your chest. Your feet should be as close to your rear end as is comfortable, and your hands can be lightly folded across your rib cage, or left to stretch out on the floor, depending on how you feel most relaxed. You may find that it helps to find a quiet, calm space to practice constructive rest, so that you are not distracted.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Saraq90 — On Sep 26, 2011

I have not tapped into constructive rest, but I want to! I have wanted to sign up for a yoga class, and this constructive rest article make me want to all the more!

It seems so beneficial and good for your mind, body, and soul to take at least a half hour out of your day each and everyday to do the Alexander Techniques along with yoga techniques.

By Clairdelune — On Sep 25, 2011

The constructive rest method of relaxation seems to be very similar to yoga and mindful meditation. I've taken yoga classes where we lie on our backs with head supported and go through each part of the body to release tension. We always concentrated on our breathing. This sounds just the same as the Alexander Technique.

The point was relaxation of the body and calming of the mind.

I wonder why there are so many body and mind exercises that are so similar. Are they just trying to make a profitable business?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-constructive-rest.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.