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
Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
Trikonasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesMalasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinAnjaneyasana
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 legUtkatasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Virabhadrasana I
5 min(40-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreSalabhasana
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 legsPhalakasana
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
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesSupta 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.
- 1Child's Pose3 min
- 2Triangle Pose2 min
- 3Garland Pose2 min
- 4Crescent Lunge2 min
- 5Chair Pose5 min
- 6Warrior I5 min
- 7Locust Pose5 min
- 8Plank Pose5 min
- 9Tree Pose5 min
- 10Warrior II5 min
- 11Happy Baby5 min
- 12Reclining Bound Angle5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
