Breathe, Rest, Recover: Yoga Therapy for Long Covid & Fatigue

With over 2 million people in the UK experiencing Long Covid (ONS, March 2023), symptoms like exhaustion, breathlessness, and insomnia are becoming more prevalent in yoga spaces. Many yoga teachers feel unprepared to help these students – or worse, worry they might unknowingly cause harm. But with education and empathy, we can change that.

In this workshop, I talk to Fiona Agombar, a yoga teacher, author, and yoga therapist. Fiona’s work focuses on supporting individuals with chronic fatigue conditions, including Long Covid, ME/CFS, and burnout. Describing herself as a “Rest Activist,” she has dedicated her career to empowering yoga teachers with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful difference for these communities.

The Unique Needs of Students with Long Covid and Fatigue

Conditions like Long Covid, ME/CFS, and other fatigue-based illnesses present unique challenges for yoga practitioners. Symptoms such as Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (such as PoTS), and severe energy depletion require a different approach to movement, breathwork, and rest. Traditional yoga practises, if not adapted, can sometimes exacerbate these conditions. However, with the right understanding, yoga therapy can offer a pathway to healing.

Why This Matters Now

As yoga teachers and practitioners, we have a responsibility to create spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and supportive for all. Chronic fatigue conditions like Long Covid are not going away – and the need for educated, empathetic yoga teachers has never been greater. By equipping ourselves with the tools to teach safely and effectively, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Understanding Long Covid, PEM, and PoTS

Long Covid manifests in a wide range of symptoms, but key challenges include post-exertional malaise (PEM) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS).

  • PEM occurs when even minimal activity triggers a worsening of symptoms, leaving individuals feeling deeply fatigued or unwell for hours or days afterward. Yoga teachers must be mindful to avoid pushing students toward energy depletion.
  • PoTS, a condition that can accompany Long Covid, involves difficulty regulating heart rate and blood pressure. This can make transitions – such as moving from lying down to standing – feel overwhelming and destabilising.

By understanding these conditions, teachers can create safer, more accessible practises, prioritising slow, mindful movement and breathwork to avoid overstimulation or strain.

The Critical Role of Pacing and Deep Rest

For individuals with Long Covid or chronic fatigue, pacing is not just a guideline; it’s a lifeline. However, rest is often easier said than done. The nervous system may remain stuck in a heightened state of alertness, making it difficult for students to fully relax. This is where yoga therapy can shine, offering tools to:

  • Teach the body how to downshift into parasympathetic states.
  • Use restorative postures, yoga nidra, and guided breath practises to access deep rest.
  • Normalise the idea that healing requires slowing down – even when societal pressures push for constant productivity.

Reclaiming the Art of Convalescence

In a culture that celebrates hustle, the concept of convalescence – giving oneself permission to recover slowly – has been lost. Yoga therapy can help students rediscover this vital practise by:

  • Encouraging gentle movement over vigorous exercise.
  • Validating the need to rest without guilt or self-judgment.
  • Creating a supportive environment that fosters acceptance and patience in the healing process.

Heart Connection, Empathy, and the Breath

Healing from Long Covid and fatigue is not just a physical journey but an emotional and energetic one. Empathy and connection can play a huge role in recovery. Yoga offers a powerful space for this through:

  • Heart-focused practises, like Anahata chakra meditations, to rekindle feelings of self-compassion and connection.
  • Breathwork techniques, such as coherent breathing or alternate nostril breathing, to regulate the nervous system and restore balance.
  • Holding space for students to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Using the Chakras to Foster Balance

The chakra system offers a holistic lens for supporting recovery. For example:

  • Root chakra (Muladhara): Focus on grounding practises to rebuild a sense of safety and stability.
  • Solar plexus chakra (Manipura): Gentle practises to kindle inner strength and energy without overexertion.
  • Heart chakra (Anahata): Cultivate self-love and emotional healing, especially for those grieving their pre-illness capabilities.

Balancing these energy centers can create a sense of wholeness and integration, supporting students as they navigate the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of healing.

RELATED: ADHD & Yoga: Mini Workshop For Yoga Teachers

Get 20% of Fiona Agombar’s Book “Breath Rest Recover” using this code BRR20SD using this link
https://uk.singingdragon.com/products/breathe-rest-recover


Join Our Community

For more support and FREE resources, join our Facebook community, The Yoga Teacher Collaborative. Connect with other yoga teachers, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights on how to make your classes more inclusive and accessible.

Connect With Laura:

  • Instagram: [@lauragreenyoga]
  • Facebook: [@lauragreenyoga]
  • Website: [www.lauragreenyoga.co.uk]

Tags: #YogaTherapy #LongCovid #ChronicFatigue #YogaForHealing #TraumaInformedYoga #RestAndRecover

Conclusion

Yoga therapy has the potential to offer profound support for those experiencing Long Covid and fatigue—but only when approached with knowledge, sensitivity, and care. By deepening our understanding, honouring rest, and fostering heart-centered connection, we can help students breathe, rest, and recover with the compassion they need and deserve.


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