Relax and Unwind with this daily 25 min Restorative yoga routine

Restorative yoga is a soothing and therapeutic practice designed to help individuals unwind and de-stress. Unlike more vigorous styles of yoga, restorative yoga involves holding poses for extended periods, typically ranging from 3 to 5 minutes, often with the support of props such as bolsters, blankets, straps and blocks.

Props can be incredibly helpful in this practice, especially for those who are new to yoga or have limited flexibility. They provide support and allow the practitioner to maintain proper alignment and comfort while holding the poses for extended periods.

Whether you are looking to improve your flexibility, reduce stress, or simply find a moment of stillness in your day, this practice offers something for everyone.

Give this 25 min session a try! It's a wonderful way to cultivate a sense of peace and well-being in your daily life.

Remember to listen to your body, use props as needed, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of self-discovery and relaxation that restorative yoga provides.

Try this 25 minute restorative yoga session

1. Cross legged seated position

We will stay here for about 5 minutes.

We will start in a comfortable seated position with our legs crossed and spine resting against the wall. You can prop your knees up with a couple of blocks to allow your hips fully relax and your sit bones sink into the mat. Allowing your spine to slightly round, hands resting in your lap or on your knees. Relaxing jaw and gently bringing the shoulders down. Close your eyes and find stillness. We will bring awareness to the breath – inhaling in and out through the nostrils noticing the pace of your breath and the way it settles in your body.

We will stay here for about 5 minutes.

Ideal props required: 2 yoga bricks

2. Supported Child’s Pose (Balasana)

We will stay here for about 5 minutes.

We will then transition into the supported Child’s Pose having our front body supported with a bolster. Plant your knees on either side of the bolster, big toes slightly touch. Exhale and simply release your abdomen down to the bolster walking your arms and your hands forward and turning your cheek to the bolster. You can close your eyes here. Allow your hips to soften and your chest to become heavy.

Stay for 5 minutes.

To come out of the Child’s Pose – press yourself back up by walking your hands back. Lift your hips keeping your bolster where it is. Walk your hands forward and your knees back. Lengthen one leg a time tucking your toes under to bring back gentle movement into your legs and knees.

Ideal props required: bolster

3. Supported Half Frog Pose (Ardha Bhekasana)

We will stay here for 3 -5 minutes each side.

Relax both of your knees down briefly bringing your bolster a little bit over to the side. Come into table top right on top of the bolster. Extend the right leg back as you walk the left knee out to the edge of the mat and gently lowering your pelvis onto the bolster. Folding the arms in front with the head resting on the backs of the hands. Adjust the left leg however you need to feel comfortable in this position. Maybe bringing it lower or more out to the side and then let your body feel heavy.

Stay for 3-5 minutes each side

Ideal props required: bolster and optional blanket under the knee or head.

4. Supported Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Stay here for as long as you need to.

Turn the bolster width wise across the short edge of your mat. Come to lying on your back with the legs extended bringing the bolster underneath the knees. Find that position where your knees are higher than your hips and there is no tension in your lower back when you lie down. Allow the head and shoulders to relax. Allow your arms to spread with the palms facing up and welcome dee rest. Closing down the eyes or maybe covering the eyes with the eye pillow.

Stay here for as long as you need to.

Ideal props required: bolster, optional eye pillow, blanket to cover and stay warm if you wish to.

Finally, start bringing back gentle movement into your body. Maybe with a big stretch or just subtle movements. Roll onto your most comfortable side with your eyes still closed and once you ready, slowly making your way up to any comfortable seated position.