Students of the Alexander Technique practice constructive rest to increase awareness of their body and reduce unnecessary muscular effort. Constructive rest is performed lying down in a semi-supine position (on your back with knees bent upwards) with support under the head. This can be done either during an Alexander Technique lesson or by yourself at home. It is called “constructive” rest because your attention and awareness are fully required while you actively work with the principles of the Technique.

The mindfulness that is required during constructive rest offers the opportunity to quietly centre and collect oneself both mentally and physically. By engaging with Alexander Technique directions you can reduce tension and potential pain that may arise from it.

After constructive rest, you will often feel calm, better coordinated, rejuvenated, fully alert, and better able to handle the activities of the day. It is especially useful in managing stress and reducing the fight or flight response (sympathetic nervous system response) to perceived stress. If you are anxious or on edge, constructive rest can act as a reset button that allows you to better construct the way you react to the stimuli around you and to function more thoughtfully and calmly.

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