As a social worker, your days are likely filled with a variety of demands and stressors. Between juggling clients, paperwork, and other responsibilities, it can be easy to neglect your own physical and mental wellbeing. One practice that can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation is yin yoga.
Why am I writing about Yin Yoga specifically? Well, it’s due to the profound impact it has had on my own health and wellbeing.
I never used to like Yoga, I thought it was ‘boring’ and if I was going to exercise, I wanted to do something that worked up a sweat, even if it meant pushing through the constant muscle pain….because my body was used to running on adrenaline.
What I didn’t realise is that by incorporating a daily yin yoga practice into my life, I would no longer be in constant pain. This lead to less stress, becoming more in-tune with my body, improving my breathing and learning to pause.
I would argue that these are all essential skills to bring in to your life and to your role in Social Work!
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga that involves holding poses for an extended period of time, typically three to five minutes or longer.
Unlike more active forms of yoga, such as vinyasa or power yoga, yin yoga emphasises stillness and surrender. By holding poses for an extended period, we are able to access deeper layers of connective tissue and release tension in the body.
5 benefits of adding Yin Yoga into your self care routine
1. Reduce stress and anxiety
Yin yoga is known for its calming and meditative qualities. By focusing on the breath and cultivating a sense of inner stillness, social workers can reduce some of the stress and anxiety that may be contributing to burnout.
I honestly had no idea how much I used to hold my breath or breathe shallowly…until I started practicing yin. I am now able to switch on diaphragmatic breathing at any time I want, which lowers my heart rate and helps me feel calm.
When I worked in Child Protection and with victims of crime, I had elevated levels of HDL Cholesterol. But since I started daily yin practice, my cholesterol levels returned to normal. Coincidence? I don’t know, but…there have actually been studies on the impact of Yin in lowering blood pressure.
2. improve flexibility and joint mobility
Many social workers spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, which can contribute to tight muscles and limited mobility.
Some of us (ahem, me!) also tend to carry our stress in our body. For example, tight shoulders/trap muscles, sore neck and headaches. This constant muscle tightness can lead to our brains thinking we need to be switched ‘on’ and alert all the time. There is a link between anxiety and muscle tension which is quite interesting.
Yin yoga can help improve flexibility and joint mobility by targeting connective tissue and encouraging a greater range of motion.
I personally found that yin has improved my blood circulation and I no longer get random muscle cramps.
3. Promote self care and self compassion
Social workers are often focused on caring for others, which can make it challenging to prioritise self-care. Yin yoga can serve as a reminder to take time for yourself and practice self-compassion.
THIS is why I do what I do! As a social worker, you are probably always focusing your energy on helping others, taking on secondary trauma from other peoples experiences, working against systems to help people have a voice. All the while, your own health fades, it gets left behind.
Practicing just 20 minutes of yin every day can really help your body, mind and soul. It isn’t a difficult thing to do, all you need is a safe and comfortable space and maybe a mat! It can be practiced any time, anywhere and you don’t have to pay for it.
4. enhance mindfulness and presence
By focusing on the present moment and the physical sensations of each pose, social workers can cultivate greater mindfulness and presence. This can help improve concentration and focus, which may be beneficial in both personal and professional settings.
Yin has helped me to remain ‘present’ in the moment, focusing on my breath and how my body feels when stretching a muscle for an extended period of time.
It has allowed me to create more mental space through being present as I have a tendency to either ruminate about the past or worry about the future….can you relate?
5. encourage relaxation and better sleep
Yin yoga is known for its ability to promote relaxation and calm the nervous system. By incorporating yin yoga into your routine, you may experience better sleep and a greater sense of overall wellbeing.
I LOVE sleep! I will always advocate for any health care routine that enables better quality sleep. We all know how much better we feel after a decent sleep!
In summary
Incorporating yin yoga into your self-care routine as a social worker may take some effort at first, but the benefits are well worth it.
Whether you attend a class or practice on your own, committing to a regular yin yoga practice can help you reduce stress, improve flexibility and mobility, and cultivate greater mindfulness and presence.
Personally, I have a daily morning routine that includes 30 minutes of Yin Yoga…as I write this, it has been over 2 years since starting and I cannot imagine my life without it.
Want to give it a try? I personally love free things, so here is a list of a few free online yoga resources –
