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
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 anklesAnjaneyasana
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 legJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower back
Trikonasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesSalamba 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 spineSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backSalabhasana
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 legsMalasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinPhalakasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersViparita Karani
5 min(50 breaths)
Sit sideways next to a wall.
relieves tired, swollen legs and feet
Savasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restAnanda Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsSavasana
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.
- 1Child's Pose3 min
- 2Crescent Lunge2 min
- 3Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 4Triangle Pose2 min
- 5Sphinx Pose3-5 min
- 6Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 7Locust Pose3-5 min
- 8Garland Pose3-5 min
- 9Plank Pose3-5 min
- 10Legs Up the Wall5 min
- 11Corpse Pose3 min
- 12Happy Baby3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
