20-Minute Yoga for Stress Relief
Designed to calm the nervous system and quiet the mind, this 20-minute sequence targets the areas where stress most commonly settles — the hips, lower back, and shoulders. Move slowly, breathe steadily, and trust the process.
Duration
20 minutes
Poses
13 poses
Goal
Stress Relief
The Flow
Ananda Balasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsDandasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower back
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Vrksasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionBaddha Konasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsPhalakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersSupta Matsyendrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backSalamba Bhujangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spine
Adho Mukha Svanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
lengthens hamstrings, calves, and the entire back of the body
Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and anklesMatsyasana (Supported)
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gently
Savasana
3 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.
- 1Happy Baby1 min
- 2Staff Pose1 min
- 3Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 4Warrior II1 min
- 5Tree Pose1 min
- 6Butterfly Pose1 min
- 7Plank Pose1 min
- 8Supine Spinal Twist1 min
- 9Sphinx Pose1 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog1-2 min
- 11Child's Pose1-2 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
