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 gentlyPaschimottanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Tadasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
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 hamstringsSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spinePhalakasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisers
Vrksasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
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 musclesBaddha Konasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsDandasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Balasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
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
- 2Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 3Warrior II2 min
- 4Mountain Pose2 min
- 5Bridge Pose5 min
- 6Sphinx Pose5 min
- 7Plank Pose5 min
- 8Tree Pose5 min
- 9Cobra Pose5 min
- 10Butterfly Pose5 min
- 11Staff Pose5 min
- 12Child's Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
