Neck Tilts
Lateral Cervical StretchNeck Tension ReleaseCervical Mobility
Benefits
- Releases lateral neck tension
- Improves cervical flexibility
- Reduces headache tension
- Promotes neck relaxation
How to do Neck Tilts
- Sit in Seated Mountain Pose
- Relax shoulders away from ears
- Hands rest on thighs
- Gently tilt right ear toward right shoulder
- Keep shoulders relaxed and down
- Feel gentle stretch along left side of neck
- Hold 3-5 breaths
- Slowly return head to center
- Repeat on left side
- Keep chin level, not dropping forward or back
Breathing
- Breathe naturally throughout
- Use breath to deepen stretch gently
- Exhale to release tension
Hold: 3-5 breaths each side. Repetitions: 3-5 times each side.
Safety notes
Slowly tilting the head to bring the ear closer to the shoulder to release tension
Modifications
Make it easier
- Reduce tilt angle
- Hold for shorter duration (1-2 breaths)
- Place hand lightly on opposite side of head for gentle support
Common mistakes to avoid
- Raising shoulder toward ear
- Rotating head instead of tilting
- Moving too quickly
- Forcing stretch too deep
Exercises to pair with this one
Neck Tilts sits in the centering & mobility part of the practice. These poses work the same areas, so they make a natural next step in the same session — or a gentler alternative on a day when this one feels like too much.
New to seated practice? Start with the 90-day programme overview and read the safety guidelines first. If you have a diagnosed condition or any doubt about whether this pose suits you, check with your healthcare provider before trying it.