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    Yoga Journal Yoga Poses Poses by Type

    Restorative Yoga Poses

    These restorative yoga poses will calm your mind, soothe your central nervous system, and erase physical tension to prepare you for ultimate relaxation.

    • Arm Balance Yoga Poses
    • Balancing Yoga Poses
    • Binding Yoga Poses
    • Chest-Opening Yoga Poses
    • Forward Bend Yoga Poses
    • Core Yoga Poses
    • Hip-Opening Yoga Poses
    • Inversion Yoga Poses
    • Restorative Yoga Poses
    • Seated Yoga Poses
    • Standing Yoga Poses
    • Yoga Poses for Strength
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      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Child’s Pose

      YJ Editors
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Corpse Pose

      YJ Editors
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Happy Baby Pose

      YJ Editors
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Legs Up the Wall Pose

      YJ Editors
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Reclining Bound Angle Pose

      Richard Rosen
      Poses by Type

      Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose I

      Poses by Level

      Reclining Hero Pose

      YJ Editors

      Latest in Restorative Yoga Poses

      Practice Yoga

      5 Restorative Yoga Poses That Make Us Want to Go Lie Down

      Because rest is revolutionary.

      Calin Van Paris
      Published May 12, 2025
      Forward Bend Yoga Poses

      14 Best Yoga Poses for Sleep

      Simple stretches that help ensure a decent night's rest.

      Jeanie Manchester
      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 28, 2025
      Restorative Yoga Poses

      When Rest Doesn’t Feel Relaxing

      When you slow down your body but can't get your mind to settle, try these tips for reclaiming your calm.

      Paula Hines
      Published Jul 20, 2022
      Restorative Yoga Poses

      Teachers, You Might Be Approaching Savasana All Wrong

      There's more to sequencing the final resting pose than putting it at the end of class. Here's how to ensure your students are set up to find their calm.

      Amy Ippoliti
      Published Dec 22, 2021
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      These 4 Restorative Yoga Poses Will Completely Reset Your Mood

      When you need to approach any situation—or, let's be honest, life—from a calmer place, this quiet practice is your solution.

      Tamika Caston-Miller
      Published Dec 17, 2021
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Legs Up the Wall Pose

      There's a general consensus among modern yogis that Viparita Karani or Legs Up the Wall Pose may have the power to cure whatever ails you.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Feb 27, 2025
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      This Yin Yoga Practice Encourages You to Create Space—In Your Body and Mind

      Sometimes you need to clear out what you no longer need to let in everything that you want.

      Neeti Narula
      Published Nov 29, 2021
      Restorative Yoga Poses

      Welcome Cozy Season With a Restorative Hygge-Inspired Yoga Sequence

      The Danish word describes a feeling of soothing comfort. And who doesn't want more of that in their practice?

      Ingrid Yang MD
      Published Nov 4, 2021
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Child’s Pose

      Take a break. Balasana is a restful pose that can be sequenced between more challenging asanas.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Jul 3, 2025
      Restorative Yoga

      This Restorative Practice Will Help You Build Rest Into Your Day

      One of the most basic yoga poses can remind you that handling the stress and anxiety of everyday life doesn't have to require effort.

      Tamika Caston-Miller
      Published Oct 15, 2021
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Corpse Pose

      Savasana is a pose of total relaxation—making it one of the most challenging.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 22, 2025
      Restorative Yoga Poses

      These Restorative Yoga Practices Will Help You Beat Burnout

      Feeling unmotivated, frustrated, or all-around blasé? It’s time for some rest and recovery.

      Tamara Y. Jeffries
      Published Sep 23, 2021
      Balance

      Screen Time Overload? Combat Eye Strain With This Restorative Yoga Sequence

      Soothe tired eyes and a stressed out mind with these grounding poses

      Tara Lemerise
      Updated Jan 9, 2025
      Restorative Yoga Poses

      Wind Down for Sleep With These Restorative Stretches in Bed

      Let go of the day.

      Jenny Clise
      Updated Oct 15, 2024
      Poses by Type

      This Restorative Yoga Practice Will Help You Find Serenity, Now

      In this hectic technological age, restorative yoga is a bountiful vehicle for easing tension and bringing forth a profound sense of calm. Try this deeply relaxing sequence, paired with introspective journaling, to get present and comfortable on and off your mat.

      Jillian Pransky
      Published Oct 23, 2018
      Poses by Type

      Yoga Journal’s 2017 Pose of Year

      Drum roll, please...

      YJ Editors
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Ayurveda

      Kathryn Budig’s Top 3 Yoga Poses for PMS

      Kathryn Budig shares her three favorite PMS remedies—after chocolate. Prepare to prop!

      Kathryn Budig
      Published Aug 23, 2016
      Beginner Yoga Sequences

      Goodnight, Insomnia: An Urban Zen Sequence for Better Sleep

      This combination of restorative yoga, meditation, essential oils, and Reiki—
from dream team Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee—will help 
ease anxiety and insomnia to deliver your best night’s zzz’s.

      Tasha Eichenseher
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Foundations

      Yoga for Athletic Recovery: 5 Poses to Max Out Training Benefits

      You may spend serious time sweating, but it's the space between workouts that counts. Sage Rountree's yoga poses will help you get the most out of your recovery time.

      Sage Rountree
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Balance

      Happiness Toolkit: Two-Minute Restorative Poses

      Got two minutes? A short restorative practice can help edit and transform negative inner narratives that reinforce anxiety and depression.

      Bo Forbes
      Updated Jun 12, 2025
      Balance

      Two Fit Moms: 8 Poses for Active + Passive Stress Relief

      Pick your poses. Two Fit Moms offers three ways to relieve holiday stress with yoga—active, passive, or a combo—in this sequence.

      Laura Kasperzak
      Masumi Goldman
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Ayurveda

      Go With Your Flow: A Period Practice for Teens

      Is it safe to get your om on at that time of the month? Teens, learn what yoga can teach you about listening to your body and practicing self-care.

      Erika Prafder
      Updated Jan 9, 2025
      Beginner Yoga Sequences

      Plug Into the Wall + Recharge: 4 Soothing Restorative Poses

      No energy to set up for restorative yoga? Plug yourself into a wall and reboot with Kathryn Budig's simple poses.

      Kathryn Budig
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Beginner Yoga Sequences

      Winter Slow Flow: 9 Warming Poses

      Cooped up inside waiting out winter's deep freeze? This practice would be a wise use of your time.

      Dana Meltzer Zepeda
      Updated Jun 12, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      The Subtle Struggle of Savasana

      Don't underestimate the art of relaxation. Corpse Pose can be the most difficult pose of your practice.

      Nikki Costello
      Published Nov 15, 2013
      Ayurveda

      Why You Should Treat Your Next Cold with Restorative Yoga

      At the first sign of a cold, try grabbing some props for a supported, restful yoga practice to deeply nurture body and spirit.

      YJ Editors
      Published Oct 22, 2013
      Ayurveda

      A Gentler Practice for Your Period

      Need a break during your cycle? Try this gentle sequence for menstruation.

      Richard Rosen
      Published Nov 7, 2012
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Need a Vacation? Take Reclining Bound Angle Pose

      We can't give you more PTO, but we can teach you how to cruise into Supta Baddha Konasana to recharge.

      Cyndi Lee
      Updated Jan 15, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Do Less, Relax More: Legs-up-the-Wall Pose

      No time to do everything? Take a few minutes to do nothing in Viparita Karani.

      Cyndi Lee
      Published Aug 25, 2010
      Beginner Yoga Sequences

      What to Do When Restorative Yoga Doesn’t Feel Relaxing

      You’re not alone if slowing down leads to stressing out. Here’s what you need to know.

      Karen Macklin
      sequence by Jillian Pransky
      Updated Nov 8, 2024
      Ayurveda

      A Quiet Forward-Bending Practice for Winter

      Align body, mind, and spirit with nature by practicing this seasonal sequence.

      Barbara Benagh
      Elizabeth Winter
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Happy Baby Pose

      This pose gently brings a greater awareness to the hip joints.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 14, 2025
      Ayurveda

      A Restful Yoga Bedtime Routine

      Rid yourself of insomnia with this calming pose sequence.

      Nora Isaacs
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Breathe to Relax in Restorative Yoga + Meditation

      Use these breathing techniques to induce relaxation during your restorative yoga and meditation practice.

      Claudia Cummins
      Updated Jan 14, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Balance Effort & Ease: Supta Padangusthasana

      Relax yet remain alert, balancing the restorative and the active in Supta Padangusthasana.

      Jason Crandell
      Updated Jan 14, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      The More Comfortable Alternative to Child’s Pose

      Frazzled nerves? Let’s bring things down a notch.

      Claudia Cummins
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Surefire Survival Strategy: Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose

      Your antidote to stress: At least 10 minutes to breathe and surrender in restorative Viparita Karani.

      Claudia Cummins
      Published Aug 28, 2007
      Ayurveda

      Restorative Yoga for Fertility: Poses You Can Do at Home

      Yoga teacher Jaki Nett investigates restorative yoga for fertility. Learn which poses have the best possible benefits to aid fertility and conception.

      Jaki Nett
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Foundations

      Q&A: How Can I Get Comfortable in Supta Baddha Konasana?

      Iyengar Yoga instructor Lisa Walford makes suggestions for how you can make Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) more comfortable.

      Lisa Walford
      Published Aug 28, 2007
      Poses by Level

      Reclining Hero Pose

      Lay Virasana back and to take the stretch in the thighs and ankles up a notch.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 24, 2025
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Reclining Bound Angle Pose

      A classic restorative posture, Supta Baddha Konasana or Reclining Bound Angle Pose can be modified for any level of hip and groin resistance.

      Richard Rosen
      Updated Mar 22, 2025
      Ayurveda

      Which Poses Treat Adrenal Exhaustion?

      Which poses should you practice to reverse the effects of chronic stress? Our expert Roger Cole recommends a regular restorative sequence.

      Roger Cole
      Updated Jan 13, 2025
      Poses by Type

      Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose I

      Oh, your aching back? Or maybe you can't crack those tight hamstrings. Supta Padangusthasana I or Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose I is for you.

      Updated Mar 21, 2025

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