20-Minute Restorative 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
Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and anklesUttanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Trikonasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Tadasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Vrksasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
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 muscles
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstringsSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backBaddha Konasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Virabhadrasana I
5 min(50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreSupta Baddha Konasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passively
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.
- 1Child's Pose3 min
- 2Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 3Triangle Pose2 min
- 4Mountain Pose2 min
- 5Tree Pose5 min
- 6Cobra Pose5 min
- 7Bridge Pose5 min
- 8Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 9Butterfly Pose5 min
- 10Warrior I5 min
- 11Happy Baby5 min
- 12Reclining Bound Angle5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
