20-Minute Yin Yoga for Relaxation
This 20-minute flow is an invitation to let go. Poses are held longer than usual to allow the nervous system to settle, the breath to deepen, and the body to release the tension it has been carrying.
Duration
20 minutes
Poses
13 poses
Goal
Relaxation
The Flow
Janu Sirsasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower back
Tadasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinUtkatasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesSalabhasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie face down with arms alongside your torso, palms facing up.
strengthens the muscles of the spine, glutes, and backs of the arms and legsSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backSalamba Bhujangasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spine
Bhujangasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with your legs extended, tops of your feet on the mat.
strengthens the spine and erector musclesAnjaneyasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back leg
Vrksasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionUttanasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backDandasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Savasana
5 min
Allow every muscle to soften completely. This is where the practice integrates.
promotes full recoveryQuick Reference
All 13 poses in this sequence, in order.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose3 min
- 2Mountain Pose2 min
- 3Garland Pose2 min
- 4Chair Pose2 min
- 5Locust Pose3-5 min
- 6Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 7Sphinx Pose3-5 min
- 8Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 9Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 10Tree Pose5 min
- 11Standing Forward Fold3 min
- 12Staff Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
