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
Savasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restDandasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Tadasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessUttanasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backAnjaneyasana
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
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstrings
Virabhadrasana I
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and core
Virabhadrasana II
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesMalasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinViparita Karani
5 min(50 breaths)
Sit sideways next to a wall.
relieves tired, swollen legs and feetSupta Baddha Konasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelyMatsyasana (Supported)
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlySavasana
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.
- 1Corpse Pose3 min
- 2Staff Pose2 min
- 3Mountain Pose2 min
- 4Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 5Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 6Bridge Pose3-5 min
- 7Warrior I3-5 min
- 8Warrior II3-5 min
- 9Garland Pose3-5 min
- 10Legs Up the Wall5 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle3 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
