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
Janu Sirsasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, 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 spine
Tadasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessUtkatasana
2 min(15-20 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 muscles
Trikonasana
3-5 min(30-50 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 spineUttanasana
3-5 min(30-50 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
Adho Mukha Svanasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
lengthens hamstrings, calves, and the entire back of the bodyAnanda Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
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.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose3 min
- 2Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 3Mountain Pose2 min
- 4Chair Pose2 min
- 5Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 6Triangle Pose3-5 min
- 7Sphinx Pose3-5 min
- 8Standing Forward Fold3-5 min
- 9Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog5 min
- 11Happy Baby3 min
- 12Child's Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
