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
Matsyasana (Supported)
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gently
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs 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
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineSalabhasana
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 legs
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 hamstringsUttanasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Trikonasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesUtkatasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backSupta Baddha Konasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelyPaschimottanasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
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.
- 1Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 2Warrior II2 min
- 3Crescent Lunge2 min
- 4Cat–Cow2 min
- 5Locust Pose5 min
- 6Bridge Pose5 min
- 7Standing Forward Fold5 min
- 8Triangle Pose5 min
- 9Chair Pose5 min
- 10Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle5 min
- 12Seated Forward Fold5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
