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
Savasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower back
Trikonasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesUttanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Vrksasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
Tadasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessMalasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
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(50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesPaschimottanasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineSavasana
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.
- 1Corpse Pose3 min
- 2Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 3Triangle Pose2 min
- 4Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 5Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 6Tree Pose5 min
- 7Mountain Pose5 min
- 8Garland Pose5 min
- 9Cobra Pose5 min
- 10Warrior II5 min
- 11Seated Forward Fold5 min
- 12Happy Baby5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
