The Benefits of Using an Eye Pillow During Yoga Practice
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just there for the savasana (we see you), adding an eye pillow to your yoga practice can seriously level up your experience. It’s one of those small additions that packs a punch—like that moment when the yoga teacher gently presses your shoulders down during final relaxation and you finally switch off
From grounding the nervous system to deepening rest, let’s chat about why slipping a weighted eye pillow into your next practice might be your new favourite ritual.
1. It Helps You Drop Into Deep Relaxation (Faster)
During the final resting pose—aka savasana—your body is still, but your brain might still be doing a little post-To-Do list tap dance.
Placing a weighted eye pillow over your eyes provides gentle, calming pressure that helps signal to your nervous system: hey, it’s safe to let go now. It mimics a technique known as deep pressure stimulation, which has been shown to help reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels.
In other words? It helps you sink into that “floating on a cloud” feeling a little faster—and stay there a little longer
2. It Blocks Out Light to Minimise Distraction
Yoga studios are lovely, but unless you’re practising in total darkness, ambient light can sneak in and keep your senses just that little bit alert.
An eye pillow gently shields the eyes and blocks out light, helping you turn inward. Think of it like a soft little pause button for your visual senses—so you can fully focus on your breath, body, or that beautiful stillness between your thoughts.
Extra bonus? If you’re doing yoga at home with kids, pets, or a partner clanking dishes in the next room, an eye pillow can help you zone out… in the very best way
3. Lavender Calms the Mind
Many lavender eye pillows are filled with dried botanicals that release a subtle, soothing aroma when warmed by your skin. Lavender is known for its calming, sleep-enhancing properties—and a gentle whiff during savasana can feel like a deep breath for your whole nervous system.
It’s aromatherapy, but make it effortless
4. It Grounds You Physically and Emotionally
There’s something powerful about adding weight during stillness. Whether it’s a bolster over the thighs in restorative yoga or a weighted eye pillow on the face, that touch of pressure brings you back into your body—gently anchoring you to the moment.
This grounding can be especially supportive during practices focused on relaxation, yin yoga, or emotional release
5. It Adds a Ritual Element to Your Practice
We love a good ritual at Jade and May. And using an eye pillow at the end of your practice can become a signal to your body and brain: “we’re resting now.”
That one simple action—reaching for your lavender eye pillow, placing it gently across your eyes—can become a beautiful, repeated cue for calm.
And honestly? We could all use a few more of those
Using an eye pillow in your yoga practice isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, better. Whether you love the gentle pressure, the calming scent of lavender, or the sense of ritual it adds, it’s a small, beautiful way to enhance your connection with your body and breath.
Our linen lavender eye pillows are ethically made, naturally filled, and designed to soothe. Take one to your next class or unroll the mat at home and feel the difference for yourself
