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 gently
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Tadasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Vrksasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
Virabhadrasana I
3-5 min(30-50 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 stabilisers
Trikonasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Bhujangasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with your legs extended, tops of your feet on the mat.
strengthens the spine and erector musclesJanu Sirsasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backAnanda Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
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.
- 1Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 2Warrior II2 min
- 3Garland Pose2 min
- 4Mountain Pose2 min
- 5Tree Pose3-5 min
- 6Warrior I3-5 min
- 7Plank Pose3-5 min
- 8Triangle Pose3-5 min
- 9Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 10Cobra Pose5 min
- 11Head-to-Knee Pose3 min
- 12Happy Baby3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
