Have you ever noticed how tension seems to collect in your shoulders — especially during stressful times? It’s as if all the worries, responsibilities, and “shoulds” we carry through life find their way into this part of the body. The shoulders are often where we physically hold the weight of the world.
In yoga, we learn that tension is not just muscular — it’s energetic and emotional too. When life feels heavy, our bodies mirror that inner load. The shoulders tighten, the chest closes, and before long, it feels harder to take a deep breath.
The Physical Side of Shoulder Tension
Shoulder tension can come from more than just sitting at a desk or scrolling on a phone. It’s often connected to the nervous system’s response to stress — those subtle moments of “bracing” ourselves for what’s next. Yoga helps unwind this tension by inviting gentle movement, awareness, and breath back into the upper body.
In our recent class, we explored yoga poses, stretches, shoulder rolls, chest-opening poses, and mindful breathwork to soften this area. These movements help:
- Release tight muscles in the neck and shoulders
- Improve circulation and posture
- Calm the nervous system
- Create a sense of lightness and space in the body
But perhaps even more powerful than the physical release is the emotional one that comes with it.
Carrying the Weight of the World
It’s so common to take on more than our fair share — caring for others, managing responsibilities, worrying about outcomes we can’t control. Over time, that emotional weight translates into physical sensation. The shoulders start to say, “It’s too much.”
In our last live yoga session (recorded and now available as part of the 42 Yoga membership), we used a simple but profound mindfulness technique:
As we arrived in stillness, I invited everyone to name the things they were carrying — one by one.
Then, with each exhale, to imagine gently placing them by the door:
“I let go of [name what you are carrying]”
At the end of practice, we paused and reflected — knowing that everything we had placed by the door would still be there if we wanted to pick it up again. But often, when we check in, we realise that some of those things can stay where they are.
A Simple Practice You Can Try Anytime
If your shoulders are tight or your mind feels heavy, try this gentle exercise:
- Sit or stand tall and take a few deep breaths into your upper chest.
- Roll your shoulders back and down.
- Name what you’re carrying — silently or aloud.
- As you exhale, imagine placing each burden down beside a doorway.
- When you’re ready to “leave the room,” notice what you truly want to pick up again.
You might be surprised by how much lighter you feel — physically and emotionally.
Yoga reminds us that we don’t have to carry everything alone. Sometimes, the most healing act is simply acknowledging what we’ve been holding and giving ourselves permission to put it down — even if only for the duration of a yoga class.
So next time you roll out your mat, take a moment to notice your shoulders. Invite softness. Let go. And trust that in creating space there, you’re making room for ease, breath, and a little more peace.
Letting Go Yoga for Shoulder Tension — New This Week
The latest class to land in the 42 Yoga Gold Class Membership is Letting Go: Yoga for Shoulder Tension — an hour-long practice designed to help you gently release tension through the shoulders and upper back. This class works with mindful postures, breath awareness, and relaxation techniques to help you soften the physical and emotional weight we so often carry in this part of the body.
The Practice of Letting Go
Every time you move, breathe, or pause with awareness, you’re giving your body and mind a chance to reset. Releasing tension in the shoulders can be the first step toward releasing tension everywhere. Bit by bit, the weight begins to lift — and you remember what ease feels like.
Yoga reminds us that letting go isn’t something we do once; it’s something we practice. Each exhale, each mindful movement, helps us soften what no longer serves us — in body, heart, and mind. Over time, this gentle practice of release becomes a pathway to freedom and lightness, both on and off the mat.
Love and light,
Suze x
Explore the classes now on the 42 Yoga Membership Platform and feel the difference for yourself.
If you haven’t joined yet, you can still check out the free membership level (no credit card required) to explore some sample classes and get a feel for the platform. From there, you can upgrade anytime if you’d like to dive into the Weekly or Gold Class memberships.
So, roll out your mat with me! See you there!
Explore your membership options and join here: 42 Yoga Class Membership
