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
Janu Sirsasana
3 min(20-30 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 anklesAnjaneyasana
2 min(15 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back leg
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Virabhadrasana I
5 min(40-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spineUttanasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backUtkatasana
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 legsBaddha Konasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Balasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and anklesSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
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.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose3 min
- 2Triangle Pose2 min
- 3Crescent Lunge2 min
- 4Warrior II2 min
- 5Warrior I5 min
- 6Sphinx Pose5 min
- 7Standing Forward Fold5 min
- 8Chair Pose5 min
- 9Locust Pose5 min
- 10Butterfly Pose5 min
- 11Child's Pose5 min
- 12Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
