08/11/2026
Neck tension has a way of sneaking up on us.
Sometimes it’s from hours at a desk. Sometimes it’s from scrolling our phones. And lately for me, it’s been from spending countless hours, day and night, curled up in a rocking chair nursing my baby or bent over working in the garden.
It’s a reminder that if we don’t make time to pause and take care of our bodies, eventually they have a way of making us slow down. For me, if I’m not careful, tension will continue to build until I find myself dealing with tension headaches or even triggering a migraine.
One of my favourite ways to release some of that built-up tension is this simple supported neck stretch using two yoga blocks.
Place one block on its lowest setting and lean a second block against it to create a gentle angle. Slowly begin to lie back, positioning the edge of the angled block along the base of your skull so your head and neck can relax into the support. Then, let gravity do the work.
There’s no need to force or pull yourself deeper into the stretch. Take a few slow breaths, allow your body to soften into the support, and notice as the body gradually releases that tension you’ve been holding.
Spending even a few minutes here can help:
• Gently stretch and release tension through the neck and upper shoulders
• Ease feelings of stiffness after long periods of sitting, nursing, gardening, or looking down at a screen
• Create space for slower, deeper breathing
• Give your body a few quiet minutes to slow down and relax
The best part is that you don’t have to force a stretch to feel the benefits. When your body feels supported and grounded, it can become much easier to soften and let go of some of the tension you’ve been carrying.
Have you tried this stretch before? Save this post to come back to the next time your neck and shoulders are asking for a little extra care.
