Grief creates emotional and physical tension in the body, causing exhaustion, sleep issues, unexplained pain and a weakened immune system. Research finds that the practice of yoga can have a restorative effect on the body and the mind and help relieve many of the symptoms frequently associated with grief.
Yoga is an ancient and holistic form of exercise that integrates mindful breathing techniques and meditation with movement. Grief yoga doesn’t require any past yoga experience and can be practiced at home—and even in a chair.
According to the Association for Death Education and Counseling, “yoga can be instrumental in addressing the symptoms of grief because it focuses on mind, body and spirit, the three areas where grief manifests.”
Some simple and restorative poses to try that can support grief recovery include:
(Click on the links for instructions on how to do each pose.)
