WHY SAVASANA NEEDS TO BE DONE LONGER THAN 5 MIN?

Words of wisdom from @judithlasater, a lifelong restorative yoga practitioner, regarding Savasana.

Savasana is a very important pose after each yoga session. It is encouraged that we are in Savasana position for minimum of 20 minutes. Why? Because we allow our body, mind and emotions to let go. We CANNOT DO Savasana, like in any asanas, pranayama (breathing technique) or meditation, but we can only ALLOW Savasana or INVITE Savasana. We allow our body to let go tensions so that our mind and emotions can also let go and relax. With Savasana, we receive spacious mind, stilled body, and opened heart.

And why does it take 20 mins in silence?
After 5 mins the body gets to relax, but it takes longer than 15 mins
to be in a really relaxed state, to calm down, and go to sleep.
Savasana is more than just relaxation.
When relaxation is complete, Savasana begins. It is the state once we are relaxed. With Savasana, we can move through the physiological, may be emotional and mental state of relaxation, and inner into this floating presence that our Nervous System thrives on.

Why are we being encouraged to use props in Savasana?
Props can help our body to be really comfortable and relaxed. They remind us to the position of relaxation when we were still in a womb. The props are also inviting the body and mind into this profound state of BEING which is where healing happens when we found that profound stillness.