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
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spine
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 legDandasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesPhalakasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersUtkatasana
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(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Vrksasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
Trikonasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesMalasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinJanu 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 passively
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.
- 1Cat–Cow3 min
- 2Warrior II2 min
- 3Crescent Lunge2 min
- 4Staff Pose2 min
- 5Plank Pose5 min
- 6Chair Pose5 min
- 7Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 8Tree Pose5 min
- 9Triangle Pose5 min
- 10Garland Pose5 min
- 11Head-to-Knee Pose5 min
- 12Reclining Bound Angle5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
