I Tried Yoga in the Metaverse. It Was Not What I Expected
Here's what happened when a Gen-Z non-gamer enters the metaverse.
Author
Ellen O'Brien
Ellen O’Brien is a former digital editor at Yoga Journal and Outside. Her work has appeared in Washingtonian magazine and The Knot. A resident of New York City, you can often find her heading to a hot yoga class or the best happy hour deal.
My Stories
I’m a Yoga Teacher. This Is My Go-To Morning Yoga Pose
It's not what you might expect.
A Therapist Explains Why Stress Cleaning Is So Satisfying
There's a reason why you keep wiping down those surfaces.
What Does Body Image Have to Do With Orgasms? A Lot, According to Research
Body image shows up everywhere—including between the sheets.
5 Restorative Yoga Practices to Relax Your Mind—And Body
Leave all your worries on the mat.
A Group of Mothers Met on a Field to Scream. Here’s Why That Release Is So Cathartic
Honestly, we could all use a screaming session right about now.
7 Yoga Poses to Care for Your Overburdened Spine
Our spines do so much. Here's how to keep yours healthy.
This May Be the Secret to Remembering Names and Faces, According to Researchers
As if you needed another reason to take that afternoon nap.
I Committed to Practicing Self-Care Sunday. Here’s Why You Should, Too
Say goodbye to Sunday scaries.
This Is What We’re All Feeling Right Now, According to Mental Health Professionals
Languishing is so 2021.
5 Sweat-Inducing Power Yoga Workouts You Can Do From Home
No time for a trip to the yoga studio? Build strength and flexibility without leaving the house.
Researchers Say Forgetfulness Can Be a Good Thing. Here’s Why
Turns out, that lapse in your memory may be a form of learning.
6 Vegan Shampoos to Bring Your Hair Back to Its Roots (Literally)
It's time to switch out your suds.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair? Well, It’s Complicated
These are several factors you need to keep in mind.
Will Switching to a Flip Phone Help You Practice Mindfulness?
One famous 23-year-old thinks so.
The Experts’ Guide to Gua Sha
This ancient wellness ritual stimulates blood flow, reduces puffiness, and relaxes your entire body.
These 6 Yin Yoga YouTube Practices Will You Give You the Rest You Need
Because we're all looking for some R&R right now.
The Best Time to Wake Up Is Probably Earlier Than You’d Like
Sorry, snoozers.
This Sex Meditation App Wants You to Tap Into Your Sexuality—And Yourself
Yes, there's an app for that.
These 4 Yoga Poses Will Sculpt Your Obliques and Side Abs—No Crunches Required
Side Plank Pose is just the beginning.
These 10-Minute Yoga Practices for Beginners Can Be Done Anywhere
Suddenly, you do have time to squeeze in a workout.
These Are the Most Popular U.S. Cities for Yoga
Plus, our favorite teachers and studios in each metropolis.
Researchers Say You’re Probably Practicing Mindfulness Wrong. Here’s How to Do It Right
Are you making this mistake?
6 Yoga Poses to Relieve Your Upper Back Pain
Poor posture? This one's for you.
These 10-Minute Yoga Arm Workouts Will Fire Up Your Biceps, Triceps and Shoulders
Caution: Many Plank Poses lie ahead
This Is How to Give the Best Hugs (According to Science)
Be the friend known for giving the *best* squeezes.
This Is the Exact Time Scientists Say You Should Go to Sleep
A study has pinpointed the best bedtime for heart health.
Scientists Just Did a Study on Orgasmic Meditations—Here’s How It Affects Your Brain
There's a new way to achieve a calmer state.
Going Out? Here’s How to Avoid That Post-Drinking Hangxiety
The hangover-and-anxiety combination is one we all want to avoid.
These Yoga Poses Will Relieve Even the Worst Bloating
A practice to get rid of (super) annoying discomfort.
What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do When Taking a Mental Health Day
Step away from your to-do list.
These 7 Yoga Poses Will Help You Relax (Even If You’re Really, Really Stressed)
If you're notoriously bad at relaxing, these calming poses will help you release *everything.*
Why Everyone’s Putting Eucalyptus In Their Shower—And Why You Should, Too
It goes beyond the aesthetic appeal.
These Photos of Veterans Practicing Yoga Will Leave You In Awe
Check out Ellen O'Brien's author page.
6 Simple Ways to Combat Your Seasonal Depression
Feeling SAD? These strategies will bring more light to your (now shorter) days.
These 7 Yoga Poses Will Improve Your Golf Game
Start aiming for par with these poses.
These Practices Will Allow You to (Finally!) Let Go of Stress & Anxiety
Release your tension and relax with these grounding practices.
Skip the Gym. These Are the Best Yoga Poses for Strength.
Your practice just became a lot stronger. (Literally.)
The 12 Best Plus-Size Leggings For Your Yoga Practice
We've got you covered on the leggings that are stylish, comfortable, and breathable.
These Mantra Meditations Will Give You the Reset You Need
Why not try out a sound-based practice?
The 16 Best Sports Bras and Yoga Tops for Larger-Chested Yogis
Reduce discomfort and gain confidence with these supportive (and stylish) sports bras and tops.
These 10-Minute Yoga Ab Workouts Will Torch Your Core
We promise you'll feel the burn.
3 Mindfulness Meditations to Help You Tap Into the Present
In less than 15 minutes, you will feel more at ease and connected to yourself.
We Tried Doing Eye Yoga—And It Was The Hardest Thing Ever
Blame screen fatigue.
5 Guided Journals to Help Quash Stress and Anxiety
If free-writing seems more stressful than calming, try one of these instead.
Looking to Build Arm Strength? Try These Bodyweight Practices.
It's true—you can build arm strength without any weights.
Everything You Need to Know About Singing Bowls
Here's how to start bringing these sound vibrations into your practice.
These 45-Minute Practices Will Give You the Reset You Need
Love under-an-hour practices? So do we.
These 15-Minute Yoga Practices Will Give You the Best Night of Sleep
Catch some much-needed zzzs with these before-bed practices.
Relationship Feeling Rocky? These Meditations Can Help.
The seeds of all healthy relationships start in our minds. These meditations can help you cultivate better bonds.
5-Minute Meditations You Can Do Anywhere, Anytime
Taking even a few minutes of our your day to reap the benefits of mindfulness can bring calm and awareness, banish fear, boost confidence, and more.
Online Group Meditation Is the New Way to Find Community, Stress Relief—and Even Love
Turns out, Zoom meetings aren't so bad.
Tired of Slipping as You Flow? Get a Grip With These Cork Yoga Mats
The sweatier you are, the better you stick.
Quiet Meditation Not Working For You? Beyoncé May Be the Solution (Yes, Really)
With Chorus, you sync your breath to the beat of the music.
4 Yoga Rugs That Might Make You Ditch Your Mat—For Good
Thinking of making the switch from a traditional mat to a yoga rug? Here's what you need to know.
These 15-Minute Yoga Stretches Are Just What Your Body Craves
And they feel damn good.
In Need of Some Self-Care? Start With These 4 Meditations
Because you can't pour from an empty cup.
Why Listening to the Voices of Regé-Jean Page and Harry Styles Helps You Sleep Better
It goes beyond the crush factor.
How to Cross These 4 Yoga Poses Off Your Bucket List
Never thought you’d ever be able to hit these peak poses? Sarah Ezrin shows you how.
Why Is Everyone Doing Yoga with Van Gogh?
Turns out, art and yoga may have more in common than you think.
Need a Laugh? These Yoga Comedy Accounts Say What We’re All Thinking
C'mon, you can't not laugh at these.
You Don’t Have to Post Perfect Poses on the ‘Gram. This Yoga Teacher Proves It
And BTW, she got even more likes.
These TikTok Creators Are Changing the Way We Look at Meditation and ASMR
Who knew watching someone narrate a shopping experience at T.J. Maxx could be so soothing?
Who Says You Can’t Do Yoga in an Exercise Dress?
I tried it—and I may never go back to leggings.
Is Your Young Child Anxious About Returning to School? Sesame Street to the Rescue!
Who wouldn't want to learn mindfulness from Elmo, Grover, or Cookie Monster?
COVID-19 News Stressing You Out? This May Be The Solution
Research shows that it just takes 10 days to find a calmer state (yes, really)!
Pop Superstar Lorde’s Album “Solar Power” Highlights the Problem With Burning Palo Santo
And she learned about it on YJ! Yes, we're still freaking out.
This Is the Secret to Making Your Brain Quicker
And it only takes about eight weeks.
These 15-Minute Yoga Workouts Will Make You Break a Sweat
Why choose between yoga and a workout when you can do both?
What Is Mindfulness, Really?
Beyond the buzzword, mindfulness can help you tap into the present moment and improve your overall health and well-being. Here’s what you need to know.
Need To Scream It Out? There’s a Meditation For That.
Yes, you can jump, dance, and even scream your way to a more energized state of being—mindfully, of course.
How Yoga Teachers Are Constrained By Non-Competes
Check out Ellen O'Brien's author page.
The Best Thick Yoga Mats for Adding Cushion to Your Practice
Want a new mat to support your practice? Pamper yourself with a thick mat for more joint protection and comforting cushion.
This Practice is Scientifically Proven to Boost Your Balance
New research shows that just two weekly 90-minute yoga sessions can improve balance and motor learning as you age. Here, the asana sequence researchers used.
How Mindful Hypnotherapy Can Combat Stress and Anxiety, According to Research
This innovative new at-home practice is an accessible way to feel calm and grounded.
Want to Strengthen Your Immune System? Science Says Do More Yoga.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects commonly associated with yoga, meditation, and pranayama may be an effective adjunctive treatment for COVID-19.