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 restPaschimottanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineDandasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesSalabhasana
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
Vrksasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionPhalakasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backAnjaneyasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back legViparita Karani
5 min(50 breaths)
Sit sideways next to a wall.
relieves tired, swollen legs and feetUttanasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backMatsyasana (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.
- 1Corpse Pose3 min
- 2Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 3Cat–Cow2 min
- 4Staff Pose2 min
- 5Locust Pose5 min
- 6Tree Pose5 min
- 7Plank Pose5 min
- 8Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 9Crescent Lunge5 min
- 10Legs Up the Wall5 min
- 11Standing Forward Fold5 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
