This Shoulder Releasing Yoga Routine Eases Tight Shoulders & Tech Neck

We hold so much tension in our shoulders. Sedentary work, lugging heavy bags, and constant engagement with our phones can form knots, resulting in neck and back pain. One way to counteract the daily damage we do to our bodies is by developing a yoga practice—but if you don't have time for a full class, or notice your shoulders bunching up by your ears during the day, this short and sweet salve, inspired by sequences popular at New York City's Sky Ting Yoga will loosen up your shoulder girdle in a jiffy.

Now that you’re warm, we can begin to move the joint. The shoulders are a ball-in-socket joint, which allows us a wide range of movement.

Extend both arms out in front of you and reach the right arm to the left with a slight bend at the elbow. Cross the left arm over the right aligning both elbows. From here intertwine your forearms and if you can, bring the palms to touch for eagle arms. You should feel the stretch along the back of the shoulder girdle.

After a few moments of holding the pose and continuing to press the palms together, slowly lift the arms up and then lower them down. Do this three times within your range of motion, but take it slowly. Then move side to side. Come back to center and make three slow clockwise circles within your range of motion and three counterclockwise circles.

You may need to hold a hand towel in your left hand, depending on your range of motion. Reach your left arm around the small of your back, with the back of your hand touching the back of your right hip. Then bend your left arm at the elbow, and use your right hand to grab the elbow and move it closer to the center. Ideally the back of your left hand touches your back in between your shoulder blades, but don't push it—grab onto your shirt or keep your towel in hand. Then circle your right hand out to the right, overhead, and bending at the elbow reach for the left hand. See if you can grab your left fingers with your right ones. If not, both hands can grab for your clothing and hold, or grab for the towel and hold.

If your right arm is protruding to the right, see if you can align it with the back of your head and use your head to push very gently into the arm. You should feel a stretch in the back of your shoulder. From here, imagine drawing tiny circles with the right elbow on the ceiling. Go three to the right and three to the left. For a breath and slowly release.

Placing your feet hips'-width distance or two-fist lengths apart, make them parallel and distribute the weight evenly throughout the four corners of the foot. Bend slightly at the knees and clasp your hands behind your sacrum, attempting to bring the palms to touch. If you have hyperextended elbows, keep a microbend in them. Bend your knees more and bring your hands overhead as you fold over your legs into a forward fold. Bend your knees until your chest makes contact with your thighs. Tone the sitz bones back and up as you fold deeper. Allow your arms to fall forward, but don't force it. As you breathe deeply, feel the stretch across your chest and your collarbones.

To wind down, do another set of shoulder circles (Step 2) and notice how it feels a little different. Welcome to your new shoulders!