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
Paschimottanasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineDandasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesMalasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinSalamba 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
Tadasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesBaddha Konasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Vrksasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionUtkatasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesSupta Baddha Konasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelyMatsyasana (Supported)
5 min(40 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gently
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.
- 1Seated Forward Fold3 min
- 2Cat–Cow2 min
- 3Staff Pose2 min
- 4Garland Pose2 min
- 5Sphinx Pose5 min
- 6Mountain Pose5 min
- 7Warrior II5 min
- 8Butterfly Pose5 min
- 9Tree Pose5 min
- 10Chair Pose5 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle5 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
