This past year has been an anxiety-riddled one for many of us. I’m no different; since getting stuck overseas from March 2020, dealing with a breakup, coming off antidepressants and the continuous uncertainty of the pandemic, I’ve been in a constant state of anxiety. I used to think running or intense HIIT was the best outlet for my stress but one morning, when I was too tired to even do my usual half-hour YouTube vinyasa, I tried a morning yin yoga class. And I was hooked. 

Yin yoga is much slower-paced than other more dynamic, heat-building (yang) styles of yoga (like vinyasa) and is predominantly floor-based. Poses are typically held for anything between three to 10 (!) minutes.

I’ve always thought that yin wasn’t for me, assuming it was boring, too slow, and not enough of a workout. Turns out it’s a perfect workout – for the mind. I thought my head would be all over the place with such lack of movement, but the long holds and conscious breathing meant my brain soon began to switch off and my anxiety lessened. I couldn’t believe it.

I don’t do yin every day but it’s my go-to when I’m feeling super anxious, and I love lighting loads of candles, rolling out my mat and doing it before bed (it really helps your mind and body prepare for slumber town).