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
Ananda Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backUttanasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backPaschimottanasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineSalamba 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
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
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
Vrksasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionMalasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backMatsyasana (Supported)
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gently
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.
- 1Happy Baby3 min
- 2Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 3Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 4Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 5Sphinx Pose3-5 min
- 6Warrior I3-5 min
- 7Bridge Pose3-5 min
- 8Tree Pose3-5 min
- 9Garland Pose3-5 min
- 10Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 11Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 12Child's Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
