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
Janu Sirsasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backMalasana
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 legUttanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spineSalabhasana
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 legsBaddha 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 proprioception
Adho Mukha Svanasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
lengthens hamstrings, calves, and the entire back of the bodySupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
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.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose3 min
- 2Garland Pose2 min
- 3Crescent Lunge2 min
- 4Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 5Warrior II5 min
- 6Sphinx Pose5 min
- 7Locust Pose5 min
- 8Butterfly Pose5 min
- 9Tree Pose5 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog5 min
- 11Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 12Happy Baby5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
