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
Dandasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Trikonasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesUttanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backBaddha Konasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs 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 coreAnjaneyasana
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
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstrings
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 spineSupta 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.
- 1Staff Pose3 min
- 2Triangle Pose2 min
- 3Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 4Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 5Butterfly Pose5 min
- 6Warrior II5 min
- 7Warrior I5 min
- 8Crescent Lunge5 min
- 9Bridge Pose5 min
- 10Cobra Pose5 min
- 11Seated Forward Fold5 min
- 12Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
