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
Matsyasana (Supported)
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlyUttanasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spine
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Tadasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessBaddha Konasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
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
Virabhadrasana I
5 min(50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreDandasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
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.
- 1Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 2Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 3Cat–Cow2 min
- 4Warrior II2 min
- 5Mountain Pose3-5 min
- 6Butterfly Pose3-5 min
- 7Chair Pose3-5 min
- 8Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 9Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 10Warrior I5 min
- 11Staff Pose3 min
- 12Child's Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
