SZA revealed that she spent her 36th birthday bedridden following a spinal injury in 2025.
The global super star suffered two herniated discs in her lower neck in the C5 and C6 spinal segments. Per a recent interview with i-d, SZA is a “happily clumsy person,” but was left in pain and unable to move freely following the injury.
SZA could not move her neck nor turn her head, leaving her unable to sit or stand without discomfort. The lack of mobility forced her to be bedridden for her 36th birthday, stuck in the hospital rather than out celebrating.
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SZA explained that she turned to the Isha Foundation, led by founder Sadhguru, after her injury. The musician practices Shambhavi Mahamudra, a type of yoga that heavily focuses on breath work. SZA had already visited the ashram multiple times, so she decided to use the space to heal her injury, staying there for 30 days.
The singer described her 36th as “somehow the best birthday” because “it was like, ‘Let’s get real and do something that can stop the running and the constant disappointment.’”
Shambhavi yoga has reportedly helped SZA to slow down and calm down. The practice is soothing for her. She can begin feeling “pissed as f—” but will find herself more at peace following a session.
She initially entered the world of yoga and meditation during a trip to Bali where she was told, “If you don’t learn to control your emotions, you’re gonna go to jail and you’re gonna lose everything.”
SZA joked that while she used to make fun of “girls that were into the woo-woo and crystals,” she’s now brought spirituality into her own life.
“God is very funny. But I’m a super sceptic,” she clarified.
Practicing Shambhavi Mahamudra yoga helped SZA to realize “I’ve really got to get in control of myself, and be the fully-realised version of myself.” She acknowledged that she may think she’s “free in different junctures,” her eyes can still be opened to what is still impacting her.
“I can tell it’s my task to get free,” she said.
SZA spent 10 days on a silent retreat in India between the premiere of her 2024 film One of Them Days, which she co-starred in with Keke Palmer, and her rehearsals for her Super Bowl appearance alongside headliner Kendrick Lamar. She then returned to the ashram following the Super Bowl.
SZA added that she is trying to “open” her brain and heart, “channeling awesome humanity s— right now.”