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 backDandasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Tadasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessPaschimottanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineBaddha Konasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsSalabhasana
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 legsUttanasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Virabhadrasana I
5 min(40-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreUtkatasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Adho Mukha Svanasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
lengthens hamstrings, calves, and the entire back of the body
Savasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restMatsyasana (Supported)
5 min(40 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlySavasana
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
- 2Staff Pose2 min
- 3Mountain Pose2 min
- 4Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 5Butterfly Pose5 min
- 6Locust Pose5 min
- 7Standing Forward Fold5 min
- 8Warrior I5 min
- 9Chair Pose5 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog5 min
- 11Corpse Pose5 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
