15-Minute Yin Yoga to Melt Away Your Shoulder Tension

"Tight shoulders are a near-universal complaint these days. Intense workouts, prolonged sitting, hunching over laptops, scrolling (and scrolling, and scrolling) on phones, gripping the steering wheel, and the accumulated stress of everyday life all take a toll on the shoulder area. Left unchecked, these activities can cause the muscles and connective tissue around the neck, upper back, and shoulders to gradually shorten and stiffen over time. Yin yoga for shoulders offers a simple remedy."

"Kneel on the mat (or, for more cushioning, fold the mat on top of itself or slide a blanket beneath your knees). Reach your hands forward toward the top of the mat and let your chest and forehead melt toward the ground. For reduced intensity, bend your elbows and draw your hands nearer to your body; do the same if you experience numbness or tingling in your arms. For added support, place a pillow or bolster under your chest."

"By embracing these postures and holding them for several minutes, you allow the connective tissues to release, creating space, mobility, and lasting ease in the entire shoulder. All you need is your breath, your body, and your patience as you settle into each pose and stay awhile. 15-Minute Yin Yoga for Shoulders Keep a block or block-like prop, such as a small stack of books, handy. You might also want a blanket for extra cushioning. Comfort is king."

Tight shoulders commonly result from repetitive activities such as intense workouts, prolonged sitting, hunching over laptops, excessive phone use, driving, and chronic stress. These behaviors cause muscles and connective tissue around the neck, upper back, and shoulders to shorten and stiffen. Yin yoga uses specific upper-body poses held for several minutes to encourage connective tissue release, increase space and mobility, and create lasting ease. Poses like Heart Melting (with Sphinx as a gentler option) and Bow Tie target the shoulder area. Use props and modifications, focus on steady breath awareness, and hold poses patiently for best results.

Read at Yoga Journal