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 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 legJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower back
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
Vrksasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionBaddha Konasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsUttanasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spineViparita Karani
5 min(50 breaths)
Sit sideways next to a wall.
relieves tired, swollen legs and feetDandasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
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
- 3Crescent Lunge2 min
- 4Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 5Cobra Pose5 min
- 6Tree Pose5 min
- 7Butterfly Pose5 min
- 8Standing Forward Fold5 min
- 9Sphinx Pose5 min
- 10Legs Up the Wall5 min
- 11Happy Baby5 min
- 12Staff Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
