6 soothing yoga exercises on YouTube to feel warm and cozy

Ah, nice season. The moment to wrap yourself in a knitted blanket and rock a steaming mug of hot something as autumn scenes emerge Gilmore girls play in the background – or at least that’s what your Pinterest boards suggest.

In reality, modern life continues when nature slows down. The stress of work, family and a thousand other obligations tends to increase towards the end of the year, leaving many of us exhausted.

But slowing down and being cozy is not an aesthetic. You don’t have to buy a scented candle, spend hours putting together the perfect mood playlist, or look cute in a big, comfy sweater (although you can, if you feel like it!). It’s about the feelings you use yourself: safety, slowness and comfort.

That doesn’t always look perfect. Sometimes it’s as simple as stepping away from your computer for a few minutes, taking a few deep breaths, and doing gentle stretches to release some of the tension you’re carrying.

Practicing yoga reminds you that you can access this totally imperfect yet completely satisfying self-soothing whenever you want it. No pumpkin spice needed.

6 of the most soothing yoga youtube exercises

Moving slowly, staying close to the mat, and breathing deeply are just some of the ways these yoga YouTube exercises connect you more closely to yourself and your needs.

1. Cozy yoga…in your sweatpants | Ariana Elizabeth

Too busy or overwhelmed to sneak in a yoga practice on YouTube? This video lures you in with its luxurious spa vibe: Arianna’s soothing voice poses with thoughtful options over ambient noise. Even a simple Cat-Cow will feel more indulgent by incorporating a wrist stretch. Other movements are more active, including lifting and lowering between Standing Forward Bend and Squat. It’s a much-needed reminder that slowness and strength are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they support each other.

Flow and relax.

2. Comfortable, comfortable morning yoga | Black Yogi Nico Marie

Mornings are not what most of us consider comforting (especially if you’re someone who sleeps through literally dozens of loud alarms). But Nico Marie can help you reshape this time of day with a relaxing seated yoga practice. In 13 minutes, you’ll work through straightforward twists and forward folds while sitting cross-legged, before working your way into more intense stretches, including Head to Knee Pose and Half Lord of the Fishes. Towards the end, Nico guides you through several gratitude affirmations that will help you start your day on a note of appreciation instead of stress.

Make it cozy.

3. Fun yoga for when you feel sluggish | Yoga With Bird

Described by Bird as “a gentle hug,” this 18-minute, largely seated exercise will calm you in Child’s Pose and encourage you to release tension in Pigeon. There’s also the opportunity to release pent-up energy in Three-Legged Dog, among more grounded poses. Commenters note that this exercise helps them relax when they have a stressful day. If you prefer minimal background music and cues – and in turn have the opportunity to become more intimate with your own experience – then this exercise is for you.

Let this exercise relax you.

4. 20 minutes of relaxing, pleasant flow | Yoga with Adriene

Twenty minutes feels like five in this peaceful flow. Teacher Adriene Mischler reminds viewers that even “small gestures” matter, including subtle movements that provide great relief to tired muscles. She then guides you to deeper stretches, including Eagle Arms, Wide-Legged Seated Forward Bend and Reclining Bound Angle. Adriene practices with perhaps the coziest props of all: a blanket and a pillow.

Gently release the tension.

5. 30-minute Yin yoga for your nervous system | Yoga with Cassandra

Yin yoga can feel like the compassionate friend who gives you space to be simple are– especially when you’re most exhausted. This 30-minute practice from Yoga With Kassandra channels just that level of support. A three-minute pause in each pose encourages you to sink even more heavily into the pillow or pillow and, by extension, release the physical or mental tension between you and feeling a little lighter. Hip openers and backbends are followed by Legs Up the Wall and Savasana.

Channel your inner peace.

6. 25-minute evening yoga for the whole body | Jess Yoga

This full-body stretch from Jess Yoga is super slooow. Yet it is thorough in addressing tension in all the common muscle groups, including the hips, lower back and hamstrings. Although Jess has a soothing voiceover to guide you through Puppy Pose, Spinal Twists, Happy Baby and more, you’ll mostly hear the gentle sounds of meditative music as you pause and de-stress in each piece. One commenter describes this yoga practice on YouTube by calling it “a perfect buffer between a busy day and a good night’s sleep.”

Get ready for bed.