The internet’s favorite yoga instructor says this five-minute routine will provide “instant calm”—I put it to the test

When life is hectic, taking time for yourself might be the first thing to go. I’m certainly guilty of this—on busy days, I’ll often skip lunch or work late instead of doing things I enjoy.

That’s why many people recommend meditation. It’s a great way to step away from your routine, and reset the mind and body.

However, I’ve always struggled with it. Sitting still and focusing on my breath for 10 minutes or longer can feel frustrating and difficult—quite the opposite of relaxation—so I rarely make time for it.

But when my favorite yoga instructor Adriene Mishler—better known online as Yoga With Adriene—recently shared a five-minute meditation and gentle stretch routine that promised “instant calm”, I decided to give the practice another chance.

How to do Yoga With Adriene’s five-minute meditation

Instant Calm - YouTube

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This breathwork and stretching routine by Mishler is fully guided so just press play and follow Mishler’s instructions.

Mishler sits cross-legged on a yoga mat on the floor, but you can be in any comfortable seated position and even on the couch or in bed.

I decided to skip the yoga mat and went straight from my desk to the floor.

What I thought of Yoga With Adriene's five-minute meditation

One of the reasons I return to Mishler’s yoga practices is her down-to-earth, unpretentious style. She doesn’t use jargon or cliché as she guides you through a practice and that feels like a breath of fresh air.

This meditation practice was no different. Mishler’s breathwork was not complicated—it synchronizes deep inhalations and exhalations with some arm movements and gentle stretches. I appreciated this approach because guided meditations can often feel fussy.

After the deep, slow breaths I felt my body and shoulders relax and I realized how tense I’d been. The stretching was gentle and simple, and felt great after sitting at my desk all day. The focus on lengthening the shoulders and back, which get stiff after hours at my desk, was a welcome release.

I felt more relaxed when I finished this short session. The day’s stresses were still there, but I felt noticeably lighter. I even wished the video was longer—it left me wanting more.

Mishler’s practice was a great way to become more comfortable with mediation—simple is always best when it comes to starting anything new, and sticking with it.

I’ll come back to this when I need a reset, but don't have much time. I’d also recommend it to anyone keen to try meditation for the first time.