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 spineUtkatasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesDandasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesAnjaneyasana
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 leg
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 hamstrings
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
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
Virabhadrasana I
5 min(40-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreBaddha Konasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsJanu Sirsasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backSupta Baddha Konasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelySavasana
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
- 3Chair Pose2 min
- 4Staff Pose2 min
- 5Crescent Lunge5 min
- 6Bridge Pose5 min
- 7Warrior II5 min
- 8Cobra Pose5 min
- 9Warrior I5 min
- 10Butterfly Pose5 min
- 11Head-to-Knee Pose5 min
- 12Reclining Bound Angle5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
