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
Supta Baddha Konasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passively
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backMalasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinPhalakasana
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 backSalabhasana
1 min(8-10 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
Trikonasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesAnjaneyasana
1 min(8-10 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
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesUttanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backPaschimottanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
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.
- 1Reclining Bound Angle1 min
- 2Cat–Cow1 min
- 3Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 4Garland Pose1 min
- 5Plank Pose1 min
- 6Supine Spinal Twist1 min
- 7Locust Pose1 min
- 8Triangle Pose1 min
- 9Crescent Lunge1 min
- 10Warrior II1-2 min
- 11Standing Forward Fold1-2 min
- 12Seated Forward Fold1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
