Like many people juggling work and daily stress, I often struggle to pause and truly disconnect. Even when I take a break from my desk, my mind tends to keep spinning, thinking about emails, errands, and everything in between.
I usually prefer in-person yoga classes, but every now and then, I turn to short home practices to reset. Recently, I stumbled across a calming 10-minute session called a “mental health break” led by a well-known online instructor. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I gave it a try.
The Setup: No Pressure, No Equipment
What instantly appealed to me was how low-maintenance the routine was. No props, no fancy clothes, and no complicated poses — just 10 minutes of gentle movement and breath. All I needed was a quiet space and a yoga mat (a towel would’ve worked too).
The video was easy to follow. It combined a few minutes of guided breathing with light stretches and grounding postures. Perfect for someone who wants a break but doesn’t want to sweat or commit to a full workout.
My Experience With the “Mental Health Break” Routine
When I pressed play, I wasn’t sure if it would help. My mind was racing from a packed morning of work, and I wasn’t feeling very grounded. But once I lay down and started following the simple breathing cues, something shifted.
The instructor encouraged longer, deeper breaths without forcing anything. No counting. No breath holds. Just a gentle focus on slowing down.
As someone who finds breathwork intimidating sometimes, this was refreshing. I wasn’t overthinking or straining — just following the rhythm of my breath, and that helped me settle into the moment.
The Movement: Simple, Yet Soothing
The second half of the routine involved soft stretches. Think cat-cow movements, easy twists, and gentle shoulder rolls. My upper back and neck felt noticeably looser after just a few minutes.
These weren’t intense yoga poses — they were accessible, especially for someone who’s been sitting at a desk all day. Each movement felt like a small release, both physically and mentally.
And for the first time that day, I wasn’t thinking about work. I wasn’t planning or worrying. I was just being. And that alone felt like a big win.
The After Effect: A Lighter Head and a Looser Body
When the routine ended, I sat still for a moment. My breath was slower, my body more relaxed. I returned to my desk with a lighter mood and more clarity.
It was surprising how such a short break could make such a noticeable difference. That quick session gave me more relief than an hour of scrolling or even a coffee run.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who struggles to switch off, or if you find yourself carrying tension in your body throughout the day, I highly recommend trying a short yoga break like this one. No need to carve out a full hour or commit to something intense. Just 10 minutes of mindful breathing and movement can be enough to ground you and reset your mood.
I’ll return to this routine on stressful days. It reminded me that rest doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, slowing down and tuning in is all it takes.