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
Paschimottanasana
3 min(20-30 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 coreMalasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Tadasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
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
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesPhalakasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisers
Trikonasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesBaddha Konasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsDandasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
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.
- 1Seated Forward Fold3 min
- 2Warrior I2 min
- 3Garland Pose2 min
- 4Mountain Pose2 min
- 5Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 6Cobra Pose5 min
- 7Warrior II5 min
- 8Plank Pose5 min
- 9Triangle Pose5 min
- 10Butterfly Pose5 min
- 11Staff Pose5 min
- 12Child's Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
