10-Minute Yoga Practice for Lazy Days (No Energy Required)

Sometimes, lazy yoga just feels right. While powerful vinyasa flows and long holds in yin each have a place in your practice, opting for a low-key sequence can offer an antidote to a culture defined by speed and productivity.

Whether you’re starting the day, winding down, or intentionally pausing somewhere in between, an almost effortless practice invites ease and peace. In the words of yoga teacher Taylor Lorenz, “Not much effort at all is needed today.” And couldn’t we all use a bit more of all of the above?

10-Minute Lazy Yoga for a Softer Session

This lazy yoga sequence calls for two blocks for additional support, though you can use books or pillows instead.

Easy Pose

Begin seated cross-legged in Easy Pose.

Revolved Head-to-Knee

Extend your right leg straight and bring the sole of your left foot to the inner right leg. Walk your right fingertips along your inner right leg and reach your left arm overhead in a side bend.

To make this pose even more relaxing, place a block or other supportive prop beneath your right elbow and rest your head in your right palm. You can also choose to release all effort and bring your extended arm behind your back rather than overhead. Stay here for 10 breaths.

Stargazer Circles

Sit upright again and place your left palm on the floor behind, fingers pointing away from you. Sweep your right arm in front of you in a half circle and then reach back, lifting your hips in Stargazer Pose. Circle your right arm twice more before lowering yourself to the mat.

Revolved Head-to-Knee

Extend your left leg straight and bring the sole of your right foot to the inner left leg. Walk your left fingertips away from you along your inner left leg and reach your arm up and over for a side bend. Adapt as needed and stay here for 10 cycles of breath.

Stargazer Circles

Sit upright and place your right palm on the floor behind you as you sweep your left fingertips down and then back, lifting your hips in Stargazer Pose. Circle your left arm twice before lowering down.

Cat-Cow

Come to hands and knees and inhale as you lower your belly and arch your back in Cow Pose.

Exhale and round your spine in Cat Pose. Move with your breath, repeating these postures for 5 cycles. Once complete, return to a neutral spine.

Cow Face Pose

Take a seat. Draw your left knee forward and to the center of the mat. Stack your right knee on top. It may not fit exactly and that’s perfectly okay. Bring your heels out wide to the sides and settle onto your sit bones in Cow Face Pose. If more comfortable for you, straighten your left leg while keeping your right left crossed. Stay here for 5 breaths.

Twisting Cow Face Pose

Inhale as you reach your arms toward the sky and exhale as you twist toward your right. Place your right hand behind you for stability and use your left hand to hug your right thigh toward your body. Stay here for 3 breaths.

Tabletop

When you’re ready, unwind your legs and return to Tabletop.

Cow Face Pose and Twisting Cow Face

Draw your right knee to the center and forward and stack your left knee on top. Bring your heels out wide and settle onto your sit bones in Cow Face Pose on the opposite side. Extend your bottom leg straight if needed. Breathe here.

Then inhale as you reach your arms up and exhale as you twist to the left. Stay here for 3 breaths. Once complete, uncross your legs and move through Tabletop and bring your front body to the mat, perhaps transitioning through a knees-down Chaturanga.

Sphinx Pose

Draw your elbows just slightly in front of your shoulders, widen your legs to at least hip-distance apart, bring your palms to the mat, and lift your chest in Sphinx Pose. Slowly sway your head from side to side.

When you’re ready, bring your head back to center, and lower your chest to the ground.

Child’s Pose

Bring your hands beneath your shoulders, press into your palms, and push yourself through Tabletop into Child’s Pose. Stay here for at least 5 breaths.

Downward-Facing Dog

Press your palms into the ground, lift through Tabletop, and step back to Downward-Facing Dog. Stay still or walk it out as you breathe here.

Standing Forward Bend

Walk your hands toward your feet and fold forward. Grab opposite elbows or interlace your fingers behind your head, allowing your body to be heavy and your neck to relax. Stay here for 6 breaths.

Easy Pose

Slowly lower yourself into a comfortable seat, either on your heels on in a cross-legged position. When you’re ready, bring your hands to heart center, bow your head, and thank yourself for showing up on the mat.