How I Teach Relaxation: 4 Steps For Yoga Teachers

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How I Teach Relaxation: My Simple 4 Step System For Yoga Teachers

In this post, you’ll discover how I teach relaxation in my yoga classes.

My name is George Watts.

I’m a BWY yoga teacher and have taught 800+ classes in the last 15 years.

I hope you’ve been enjoying the hundreds of free yoga class planning tips, ready-to-use yoga class plans, and yoga class handouts on my site. They are resources that I’ve personally used for my own yoga classes.

How do I teach relaxation?

The first step is creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Step 1: Create A Relaxed Atmosphere

How I Create A Relaxed Atmosphere In A Yoga Class

The first step to teaching relaxation is to create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere in your yoga class.

Below are some ideas to get you started:

Warm room (but not too warm)
Soft lighting
Decluttered room
Flowers
Buddha statue
OM poster
Welcoming, relaxed teacher

When you’ve got a relaxed atmosphere, you can move to step two and choose relaxation exercises that help your students to relax.

Step 2: Collect Relaxation Exercises

41 Breathing Exercises To Relax Your Students

There are hundreds of different relaxation exercises.

One of my hobbies is collecting relaxation exercises that I find in books, online and behind secret doorways in pyramids and experimenting with creating my own versions of them (I made up the pyramid story).

I feel that as a yoga teacher, it’s my duty to be fully informed about the art of relaxation, because it’s such a huge part of teaching yoga. Your students love their end-of-class relaxation! They absolutely love it.

Don’t believe me?

Then try this little experiment…

Pretend to end a yoga class without your normal 10 to 15 minute relaxation, and observe the response.

I did that once.

OMG!

All mental and emotional hell broke loose.

Before I carry on with my story, I’d like to take this moment to blame my great grandfather’s genes (he was a well-known inventor), for my uncontrollable urges to experiment.

The response to my “no relaxation today” were a bunch of WTF-are-you-thinking-stares in my direction, followed by open mouths of disbelief, followed by shallow, anxious breathing. Ah yes, I almost forgot. There were heads turning to point to other heads to gauge the somber mood of the room.

When I let them in on the experiment, they instantly forgave me, and got into Savasana faster than usual, in case I had another experiment up my sleeve.

My point is this…

Your students love their end-of-class relaxation more than they love their partners, their dogs, their cats, and their first-borns.

So, I highly recommend you do as I do, and start collecting relaxation exercises to sooth the souls of your weary students!

The problem is that most yoga teachers have one relaxation exercise, and you know what I’m talking about. It’s Savasana. Don’t get me wrong. Savasana is the king of relaxation exercises, but it’s not the only kid on the block.

Here are some end-of-class relaxation exercises that you can collect simply by bookmarking this…

End Of Class Relaxation 1
Savasana (corpse pose)

Savasana is the bread and butter, go to posture for relaxation because most students will be able to stay in the posture for 10 to 15 minutes. It’s not the best posture for people who have back pain. They would be better off lying on the stomach in Crocodile Pose. It’s a great pose for students who struggle with sitting or kneeling for more than 5 minutes at a time.

Lie flat on your back in Savasana.

Observe your breathing, without seeking to control it for a few minutes.

Make two successive deep inhalations and exhalations, swelling out the abdomen in and drawing it in towards the backbone on breathing out. Relax the abdominal wall fully at the conclusion of the second breath.

Observe your breathing again. When it has become quiet, smooth, and of even rhythm, direct your attention like a torch beam in sequence over the parts of the body starting at the left foot and finishing at the scalp.

Observe your breathing again for a minute or two; then repeat the sequence of letting go with the muscles from feet to scalp. Continue for 15 to 30 minutes.

At the conclusion of each wave of relaxation from feet to scalp, the whole body should rest with its full weight and feel drained of tension. The mind should also be at peace.

End Of Class Relaxation 2
Reversed Savasana (Advasana)

Lie on stomach.
Stretch both arms forward on each side of head.
Relax whole body.
Breathe naturally and rhythmically.
Concentrate on breath and the number of respirations.

End Of Class Relaxation 3
Savasana On Bolster

Place bolster horizontally on mat and a block for head to rest on.
Set elbows on bolster.
Let arms go out to sides.
Rest head on block.
Don’t have head higher than bolster.
Rotate shoulders open.
Feel shoulders descending to mat.
Breath into upper torso.

End Of Class Relaxation 4
Crocodile Pose (Makarasana)

Lie flat on the stomach.
Raise head and shoulders
Rest head in palms of hands with elbows on the ground.
Relax the whole body and close the eyes.
Breathe naturally and rhythmically.
Concentrate on the breath and the number of respirations.

End Of Class Relaxation 5
Flapping Fish Pose (Matsya Kridasana)

Lie on stomach with fingers interlocked under head.
Fold left leg sideways.
Bring grounded left knee close to the ribs.
Swivel arms to left and rest elbow on left knee.
Rest right side of head on crook of right arm.
Breath normal and relaxed.
Concentrate on the breath.

End Of Class Relaxation 6
Progressive Muscle Relaxation

The 61-Points relaxation is more subtle than the Progressive Muscle Relaxation. This may lead to a deeper state of calm and quiet. The idea is to bring your awareness from one point to the next every couple seconds.

Bring your awareness to your forehead, and to the throat.

Right shoulder, right elbow, right wrist, tip of right thumb, tip of right index finger, tip of right middle finger, tip of right ring finger, tip of right little finger, right wrist, right elbow, right shoulder, throat.

Left shoulder, left elbow, left wrist, tip of left thumb, tip of left index finger, tip of left middle finger, tip of left ring finger, tip of left little finger, left wrist, left elbow, left shoulder.

Throat, space between the breasts, right breast, space between the breasts, left breast, space between the breasts, navel, lower abdomen.

Right hip, right knee, right ankle, tip of the right big toe, tip of the right second toe, tip of the right middle toe, tip of the right fourth toe, tip of the right little toe, right ankle, right knee, right hip, lower abdomen.

Left hip, left knee, left ankle, tip of the left big toe, tip of the left second toe, tip of the left middle toe, tip of the left fourth toe, tip of the left little toe, left ankle, left knee, left hip.

Lower abdomen, navel, space between the breasts, throat, forehead.

But don’t stop there!

When you find a new relaxation exercise you like the sound of of, collect it (e.g I write them down in my “yoga teaching ideas notebook”).

End Of Class Relaxation 7
Blissful Breathing (Pranayama) Exercises

Use any of the 41 pranayama exercises within the Blissful Breathing Card Deck.

Step 3: Practice Relaxation Phrases

100 Relaxation Phrases For Yoga Teachers

The next step is to practice relaxation phrases to use within your class.

You can use this visualisation technique to imagine yourself teaching a yoga class, and saying these relaxation phrases.

Below are 100 relaxation phrases:

“Let go of any tension with every exhale.”
“Focus on your breath, feeling it move through your body.”
“Allow your muscles to soften and relax.”
“Take a deep inhale, and release all tension on the exhale.”
“Imagine each breath clearing away stress and tension.”
“Feel the ground supporting you as you breathe deeply.”
“Soften your gaze, and relax your mind.”
“Let each breath help you sink deeper into stillness.”
“With each exhale, release what no longer serves you.”
“Focus on breathing gently, calmly, and without rush.”
“Inhale peace, exhale tension.”
“Relax your face and soften your jaw.”
“Visualise your body becoming lighter with each breath.”
“Breathe deeply into your belly, filling it completely.”
“Allow your breath to be your anchor in the present moment.”
“Take a moment to check in with your body and breath.”
“Relax your shoulders down, away from your ears.”
“Feel the weight of your body sink into the mat.”
“Breathe in calm, exhale any distractions.”
“Let go of thoughts with every breath out.”
“Sink into your breath, and let go of the outside world.”
“Let each exhale release any tightness or discomfort.”
“Focus on the sensation of breath entering and leaving your body.”
“Feel your chest gently rise and fall with each inhale.”
“Let your body rest, fully supported by the ground.”
“Feel yourself becoming more grounded with each breath.”
“Breathe deeply and allow your body to settle.”
“Let your breath become slow, steady, and deliberate.”
“Release all tightness from your body with every exhale.”
“Focus on the gentle rhythm of your breath.”
“Imagine your body softening with each inhale and exhale.”
“Let go of the need for perfection, just breathe.”
“Visualise tension melting away with every breath.”
“Breathe deeply and release any lingering stress.”
“Let your breath guide you to a peaceful state of mind.”
“Feel your body becoming heavier with every breath out.”
“Notice how your breath flows, steady and calm.”
“Relax your body with every slow, deep breath.”
“Allow your breath to bring you into stillness.”
“Breathe deeply, and feel the calm within you grow.”
“Focus on the soothing sensation of each exhale.”
“Feel the tension melt away with each exhale.”
“Visualise your breath as a wave, gentle and rhythmic.”
“Breathe into the space around your heart, opening it.”
“Let each breath centre you in the present moment.”
“Inhale peace, exhale all that doesn’t serve you.”
“Let your breath calm your mind and body.”
“Relax into the stillness of your body with every breath.”
“Release all distractions and come back to your breath.”
“Breathe into your belly, feeling your body expand.”
“Take a slow, deep breath, and allow your body to soften.”
“With each exhale, release any unnecessary tension.”
“Let your body completely relax with every breath you take.”
“Feel the gentle rise and fall of your breath.”
“Let your breath become the only thing you focus on.”
“Inhale deeply, and imagine a wave of calm washing over you.”
“With every inhale, feel yourself becoming more present.”
“Allow your body to fully relax with each exhale.”
“Breathe in deeply, and let go of all worries.”
“Feel yourself letting go of stress with every deep breath.”
“Visualise your breath spreading calm through every cell.”
“Take a deep inhale and release any tightness in your body.”
“Let each exhale guide you toward relaxation.”
“Feel your body sinking deeper into relaxation with each breath.”
“Focus on breathing slowly and peacefully.”
“Let your breath lead you to a place of inner calm.”
“Breathe into the space you need to heal.”
“Allow your breath to release any mental clutter.”
“Feel the weight of your body sinking deeper with every exhale.”
“Take a deep breath in and feel yourself becoming more centred.”
“Release the tension in your body as you breathe out.”
“Let go of everything, and focus only on your breath.”
“Breathe in calm, breathe out tension.”
“Each breath brings more peace into your body.”
“Visualise your breath bringing you clarity and calm.”
“Let your breath be a gentle wave that eases tension.”
“Take a moment to breathe and release all distractions.”
“Feel the tension in your body melting away with each breath.”
“Breathe in relaxation, and breathe out any discomfort.”
“Sink deeper into relaxation with every slow, steady breath.”
“Feel your breath bringing your body into a peaceful state.”
“Allow yourself to be fully present with each inhale and exhale.”
“Breathe in peace, and exhale all tension.”
“Imagine each breath helping you find your centre.”
“Relax and let your body fully surrender to the present moment.”
“With each exhale, let go of everything you don’t need.”
“Focus on your breath and feel the calming effect it has on you.”
“Take a slow, deep breath, and soften into the present moment.”
“Breathe in deeply, and release any physical or mental tension.”
“Let each breath bring you deeper into relaxation.”
“Allow the sound of your breath to soothe your mind.”
“Focus on your breath, and let it guide you to peace.”
“Breathe deeply, feeling the air nourishing your body.”
“Let your breath anchor you in the present.”
“With each exhale, feel yourself letting go of stress.”
“Breathe in tranquility, exhale all distractions.”
“Let each inhale fill you with peace and calm.”
“Slowly breathe in, gently breathing out any tension.”
“Feel the calmness within you with every breath.”
“Allow your breath to bring you back to stillness.”

Step 4: Know Thy Teaching Relaxation Precautions

Know Thy Teaching Relaxation Precautions

You may think teaching relaxation has no precautions, but there are a few to consider.

Coughing: Give the student a glass of water and tell them to drink from their water bottle.

Crying: Comfort the student if he or she starts crying

Emotional: If the student becomes emotional and tries to leave the class, let them.

Fidgeting: If a student constantly fidgets during relaxation, tell them to focus on deep, slow breathes.

Fire Alarm: If the fire alarm goes off, get out of the building.

Not Coming Out Of The Relaxation: If the student doesn’t come out of the relaxation and is in a deep sleep, gently touch his/her arm and speak their name.

Late Arrivals: If a student is consistently late, ask them to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early so as not to disturb his/her fellow students.

Mobile Phone Going Off: On your first class, ask students to turn off their mobiles because the start of class.

Snoring: Ask the student to sit in a different position.

It’s time for my conclusion, and why I love using yoga card decks as teaching aids in my classes.

George’s Conclusion: Using Yoga Card Decks As Fun, Easy-to-Use Teaching Props

I hope this post gave you one or two new ideas on how to teach relaxation in your yoga classes.

If you’re a fellow yoga teacher, I’ve got a hunch you’re gonna love my Online Yoga Lesson Planner.

As a Yoga teacher, I’m always looking for fun, easy-to-use teaching aids to make your classes engaging, informative, and effective. That’s why I create yoga card decks. Each deck has been painstakingly crafted to serve as a quick-reference guide, teaching aid, or lesson-planning tool, designed with Yoga teachers, and serious students, in mind.

Chakra Chair Yoga Card Deck: 52 Cards For Mind-Body Unity

The Chakra Chair Yoga Card Deck is a transformative tool designed for yogis of all levels, especially those seeking a gentle, accessible practice. This beautifully illustrated 52-card deck combines the wisdom of the chakra system with the ease of chair yoga, offering a unique way to balance your energy centres while staying grounded and supported.

Chakra Chair Yoga Expansion Card Deck: 52 More Cards For Mind-Body Unity

The Chakra Chair Yoga Card Deck was so popular that I created the Chakra Chair Yoga Expansion Deck with another 52 chair yoga exercises.

Blissful Breathing Card Deck: Your Guide To Mastering Pranayama

The Blissful Breathing Card Deck is your go-to resource for mastering the art of pranayama (yogic breathing). With 41 beautifully designed cards, this Blissful Breathing Card Deck guides you through a wide variety of breathing techniques to enhance relaxation, focus, and vitality.

Face Yoga Card Deck: 50 Cards For Youthful Radiance

The Face Yoga Card Deck is a fun and effective way to tone, relax, and rejuvenate your facial muscles. This 50-card deck features simple, step-by-step exercises designed to improve circulation, boost skin elasticity, and promote a radiant, youthful glow.

101 Mini Yoga Cards: With 101 Asana Sanskrit Pronunciations

The 101 Mini Yoga Cards are a compact and versatile resource for yoga teachers and practitioners alike. Each card features an illustrated yoga pose, its English and Sanskrit names, and how to pronounce the Sanskrit name. This makes it easy to plan classes, create sequences, or inspire personal practice while deepening your connection to yoga’s roots.

Zen Of Blissful Boredom Card Deck: 52 Ways To Cultivate Calm

The Zen Of Blissful Boredom Card Deck offers a lighthearted yet profound approach to finding peace in the mundane. Featuring 52 cards filled with simple, humorous, and mindful activities, this deck encourages you to embrace boredom as a gateway to inner calm and creativity.

But don’t stop there. You’re on a roll. You’ll definitely want to look at my 10-step yoga sequencing formula. It’s got lots of infographics to make the learning visual and fun.

“Below are hundreds of yoga lesson planning tips on my blog…to help enlarge your yoga lesson planning brain.” – George Watts

Online Yoga Lesson Planner

Create yoga lesson plans quickly and easily. Access 100,000+ yoga lesson plans. Choose from 3000+ poses. Used by 1000+ yoga teachers, trainers and trainees worldwide.

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