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 gentlyAnjaneyasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back leg
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 I
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesMalasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
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 hamstringsUttanasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Trikonasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Tadasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Savasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restSupta Matsyendrasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backSavasana
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
- 2Crescent Lunge2 min
- 3Cat–Cow2 min
- 4Warrior I2 min
- 5Chair Pose3-5 min
- 6Garland Pose3-5 min
- 7Bridge Pose3-5 min
- 8Standing Forward Fold3-5 min
- 9Triangle Pose3-5 min
- 10Mountain Pose5 min
- 11Corpse Pose3 min
- 12Supine Spinal Twist3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
