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
Dandasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesPaschimottanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and core
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineMalasana
1 min(8-10 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 stabilisers
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 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 proprioception
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstringsAnjaneyasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back legJanu Sirsasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backMatsyasana (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.
- 1Staff Pose1 min
- 2Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 3Warrior I1 min
- 4Cat–Cow1 min
- 5Garland Pose1 min
- 6Plank Pose1 min
- 7Warrior II1 min
- 8Tree Pose1 min
- 9Bridge Pose1 min
- 10Crescent Lunge1-2 min
- 11Head-to-Knee Pose1-2 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
