20-Minute Restorative Yoga for Bedtime
This 20-minute wind-down sequence uses forward folds, gentle twists, and restorative shapes to signal to the nervous system that the day is done. Dim the lights, move unhurriedly, and let the practice carry you toward rest.
Duration
20 minutes
Poses
13 poses
Goal
Bedtime
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 gentlyPaschimottanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and core
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Bhujangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with your legs extended, tops of your feet on the mat.
strengthens the spine and erector musclesMalasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinUtkatasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesSalabhasana
5 min(40-50 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 legsSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Trikonasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Balasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
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
- 2Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 3Warrior I2 min
- 4Warrior II2 min
- 5Cobra Pose5 min
- 6Garland Pose5 min
- 7Chair Pose5 min
- 8Locust Pose5 min
- 9Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 10Triangle Pose5 min
- 11Child's Pose5 min
- 12Happy Baby5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
