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 musclesUttanasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
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 leg
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 musclesMalasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinUtkatasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
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
Tadasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessJanu Sirsasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, 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
- 2Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 3Triangle Pose2 min
- 4Crescent Lunge2 min
- 5Cobra Pose5 min
- 6Garland Pose5 min
- 7Chair Pose5 min
- 8Warrior II5 min
- 9Bridge Pose5 min
- 10Mountain Pose5 min
- 11Head-to-Knee Pose5 min
- 12Happy Baby5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
