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
Savasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreDandasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine 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
Virabhadrasana II
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Vrksasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionPhalakasana
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
5 min(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 legsUttanasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, 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 gentlySavasana
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.
- 1Corpse Pose3 min
- 2Garland Pose2 min
- 3Warrior I2 min
- 4Staff Pose2 min
- 5Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 6Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 7Warrior II3-5 min
- 8Tree Pose3-5 min
- 9Plank Pose3-5 min
- 10Locust Pose5 min
- 11Standing Forward Fold3 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
