13-minute Yin Yoga exercise to help mend a broken heart

A yin yoga practice can be a balm, especially when your heart feels heavy. Or broken.

This soothing yin practice provides a gentle space to feel, release, and soothe the emotional turmoil associated with heartbreak. As you settle into silence, you release some of the weight of what you have been carrying and create space to breathe, process and begin to heal. By the end of this yin yoga class, you will feel a little more at peace with where you are on your love journey.

Reaching your mat, even when it’s hard, is an extraordinary act of self-love.

13-minute Yin Yoga for heartbreak

Make sure you have an extra soft pillow and two blocks (or block-like props, such as firm cushions or small stacks of books) on hand for this more supported approach to yin yoga.

Child’s pose

Start in child’s pose. Bring your big toes together to touch and pull your knees wide toward the edges of your mat. Bring your sit bones toward your heels and place your pillow lengthwise between your knees. Instead of stretching your arms out in front of you, lean forward over your pillow and give him a big hug. Release any tension in your shoulders and stay there for 3 minutes.

Cow pose

Extend your arms in front of you, press your palms and raise yourself towards the table top. Inhale, arch your back, lower your stomach and lift your chin into Cow Pose.

Cat poses

Exhale, round your back and tuck your chin into Cat Pose. Repeat these forms gently and smoothly for a few more sets, moving to the rhythm of your breathing.

Sphinx pose

Move your pillow forward to support your chest and abdomen. Extend your legs straight behind you, but widen them slightly if that’s more comfortable. Lower your body onto the pillow and bring your forearms and palms flat on your mat into a supported Sphinx pose. Take a block and place it at the highest level, tilting it toward you and resting the weight of your forehead on it. Gently move your hips back and forth. Stay here for 3 minutes.

Windshield wipers

When you’re done, remove your block and pillow and set them aside. Stack your hands together to make a pillow for your forehead, then bring your elbows wide and rest yourself on your mat. Gently kick your heels towards your buttocks and wipe your shins back and forth with the windshield wiper.

Move slowly and be easy on yourself, repeating as often as necessary.

Butterfly pose with forward bend

Extend your legs long again and bring your hands under your shoulders. Push yourself onto your hands and knees. Swing your legs to one side and come into a sitting position. Bring the soles of your feet together and pull your feet into a diamond-like position in Butterfly Pose. For extra support, place your blocks under your knees or thighs. Bring your pillow forward, inhale and sit up straight before exhaling and folding your upper body over your pillow. Stay here for 3 minutes.

Meditation pose

Gently unfold it and return to an upright position. Adjust to a cross-legged position by adding a block or pillow under your sit bones for extra support. Place your hands over your heart. Close your eyes or keep your gaze soft and notice your heartbeat under your palms. Stay here for 3 minutes.

Closing pose

Draw your hands together at the center of the heart. Bow your head so that your third eye touches your fingertips and thank yourself for showing up on your mat today.