The Art of Stillness: Why You Need Yin Yoga in Your Wellness Routine

Oftentimes, fitness and health goals can be challenging to achieve if one is over-productive and failing to incorporate rest, rejuvenation and stillness into their routine.

Before we dive into improving your wellbeing to reach your goals, let’s take a moment to assess your current state of health with these reflective questions:

o Have you been on a dedicated fitness journey, consistent with disciplined efforts, but not receiving the results you desire? 

o Do you complete routine weight training sessions, countless minutes on cardio machines and eat a balanced, clean diet but cannot lose the excess weight you’re working hard to shed?

o Aside from your physical health – what is the current state of your mental and emotional health?

o Are you experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety resulting in physical symptoms such as migraines, extreme lethargy, or jaw clenching?

o Do you excessively worry about the future and overwork or over exercise to lessen your fears?  

If any of these questions resonate with your current state of health, you will benefit from incorporating cooling practices into your lifestyle routine. Cooling practices are healing methods using colder temperatures intended to reduce stress, ease anxiety, improve athletic performance by shortening the body’s recovery time, and boost cognitive health. Examples of cooling practices are restorative stretching, cold therapy, and gentle body work. These methods target the central nervous system by cooling the temperature of the body, developing an internal balance.

 If you do not have access to a cold plunge, massages are not in your budget, and cryotherapy is inaccessible – yin yoga is the answer for you. 

Yin yoga is a variation of yoga that utilizes gentle stretches, held for an extended time, typically 4 to 5 minutes, per pose. These poses target the body’s connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments and tendons to offer a deep, restorative stretch for the larger muscle groups. Yin yoga poses typically require props – such as pillows, bolsters, blankets, straps and yoga blocks – to support the body’s ability to completely relax and receive the full benefits of the gentle poses. This practice promotes mindfulness by focusing on breathwork and building a connection between the body and mind.

When practiced routinely, yin yoga...

o Improves circulation throughout the body by focusing on slow, controlled breathing that increases blood flow and oxygen levels throughout the body.

o Increases flexibility & joint mobility through releasing stiffness in underworked muscles.

o Eases anxiety and stress by delivering a sense of calmness to the mind.

o Balances circadian rhythms and sleeping patterns by reducing brain fog and promoting slower thoughts.

o Releases stored emotions through increased body awareness and reducing physical tension.

The most favorable aspect of yin yoga is its accessibility: it can be practiced anywhere. Whether you are in the comfort of your own home, a hotel room if traveling, or in nature – all it requires is a few props and yourself. 

Now, why do you need to implement these gentle poses to achieve your health goals?  In short, your body’s internal organs crave stillness for proper detoxification and restoration – keeping you grounded, balanced, and lively. When your lungs are breathing steadily as the body is contorted in relaxing yin postures with a calm mind, your central nervous system slows, and your body begins to heal – advancing you closer to your goals.

Despite the affordability, health benefits and accessible conveniences of a yin yoga practice, the biggest barrier of this practice is overriding the mental chatter naturally conjured in the mind.

Yin yoga requires p a t i e n c e & stillness...

The benefits of a weekly yin practice are endless; however, it works when you don’t. In yin yoga, less is more. This mindset will balance your physical and mental bodies – building an internal homeostasis that is necessary for your wellness goals.

In a fast-paced society that thrives on productivity and dismisses physical or emotional burnout, challenge yourself to dedicate time for stillness. Restoration is just as important as productivity. You will notice, this cooling practice will help you achieve the goals you’re striving for, but with more grace, and in much better health.

It is quite literally an art to enjoy silence and embrace the stillness of the mind. Nevertheless, with consistent effort, it will be the solution you’re searching for.

If this feels like the solution you’re searching for, join a yin yoga class at Booth Bay Harbor Country Club and come experience the healing benefits for yourself. These classes will be led by Sarah and offered for a limited time during two wellness series -- Thursday evenings, 6pm during the months of June and September of 2025.

I look forward to seeing you there!

With love --

The JIM

References

1.Brown, Kelsey.  2024. “What is Yin Yoga?” https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-is-yin-yoga.

2. Lilly, Brenna. 2025. “19 Cooling Practices”. Spirituality & Health. https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/19-cooling-practices?srsltid=AfmBOopU_qhYXgiY6dZeUY7XV-5riHm5WmksbU-SvkYhrd3Tt9T8wyeM

3. Tarlton, Amanda. 2020. ”Yin Yoga 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Deep, Meditative Practice”. Mindbodygreen. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/guide-to-yin-yoga.