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 anklesDandasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and corePhalakasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersSalabhasana
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 legs
Vrksasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Trikonasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spinePaschimottanasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineMatsyasana (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
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.
- 1Child's Pose3 min
- 2Staff Pose2 min
- 3Warrior II2 min
- 4Warrior I2 min
- 5Plank Pose3-5 min
- 6Locust Pose3-5 min
- 7Tree Pose3-5 min
- 8Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 9Triangle Pose3-5 min
- 10Sphinx Pose5 min
- 11Seated Forward Fold3 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
