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
Ananda Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsUtkatasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesPaschimottanasana
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 anklesSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spine
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 muscles
Trikonasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, 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 legsUttanasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Vrksasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
Savasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep rest
Balasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and anklesSavasana
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.
- 1Happy Baby3 min
- 2Chair Pose2 min
- 3Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 4Warrior II2 min
- 5Sphinx Pose5 min
- 6Cobra Pose5 min
- 7Triangle Pose5 min
- 8Locust Pose5 min
- 9Standing Forward Fold5 min
- 10Tree Pose5 min
- 11Corpse Pose5 min
- 12Child's Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
