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
Supta Baddha Konasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelyUtkatasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine 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 spineAnjaneyasana
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
Tadasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Trikonasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Bhujangasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with your legs extended, tops of your feet on the mat.
strengthens the spine and erector musclesPaschimottanasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Balasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
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.
- 1Reclining Bound Angle3 min
- 2Chair Pose2 min
- 3Warrior II2 min
- 4Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 5Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 6Sphinx Pose5 min
- 7Crescent Lunge5 min
- 8Mountain Pose5 min
- 9Triangle Pose5 min
- 10Cobra Pose5 min
- 11Seated Forward Fold5 min
- 12Child's Pose5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
