If you have ever woken up with a stiff, sore back, you know how quickly it can affect your day. And if you are dealing with something more significant in your back, it can be tempting to avoid movement altogether. That instinct makes sense. When something hurts, we often want to protect it. But sometimes, with your doctor’s permission, gentle and mindful movement can offer the support your body is asking for. This week, I want to share one simple reminder: movement and yoga can support your back when practiced with care.

Many people think they know how to relax, but true wakeful rest in a chair requires mindful alignment. Discover Krista Oakes' tips for proper chair Savasana, including how to support your arms, ground your feet, and align your head to release tension and achieve deep, genuine relaxation.

When you think about yoga, you might picture graceful poses or flowing sequences. But at its core, yoga is really about one simple yet powerful thing: your spine. Every stretch, twist, bend, and fold you do in gentle yoga, chair yoga, or any practice is centered around moving and caring for this vital part of your body.

When was the last time you went upside down? It might sound like a strange question—or like a challenge only for the super flexible—but going upside down, or practicing viparita (the Sanskrit word for inversions), can be gentle, accessible, and deeply nourishing for your body and mind. You don’t have to hang off the walls or balance on your head to reap the benefits. Even simple movements and mindful moments can turn things around in the best way.