While the beginning of every week may be difficult, reaching midway and realizing you still have a few more days to work can be even more exhausting. That is where restorative yoga comes in. Restorative yoga is all about being gentle, supportive, and therapeutic. At its heart, it's a practice of passive healing, meaning you allow your body to relax deeply rather than actively working your muscles. This style is known for activating your parasympathetic nervous system, often called the "rest and digest" system. Why Should You Do Restorative Yoga? By encouraging longer holds in poses (asanas) and deep breathing, it helps trigger your body's natural relaxation response, which can slow breathing, lower blood pressure, and create a sense of calm and well-being. Restorative yoga uses props like bolsters, blocks, or folded blankets to make poses gentler and more supportive, though you can do them without props too. You'll generally hold these poses for at least 5 minutes, and often much longer if comfortable (some people hold them for 20 minutes or more). The focus is always on comfort and deep relaxation, allowing your body to release tension naturally. Restorative Yoga Poses To Try Restorative yoga is a passive, meditative form of yoga that emphasizes deep breathing and releasing physical tension. Unlike active yoga styles, you hold poses for extended periods, typically 5 minutes or more. It often uses props like blankets, blocks, or bolsters to support your body, allowing for deeper relaxation and comfort in each pose. This gentle practice is generally considered safe for most people. If you have any health concerns, it's always wise to talk to your doctor or physical therapist before starting restorative yoga. Child's Pose This pose helps calm stress and tiredness. It gently stretches your spine, hips, and shoulders. To do it, kneel with your buttocks on your heels, then lean forward, resting your torso between your thighs. Extend your arms forward or alongside your body. You can use cushions for support. Stay for up to 5 minutes, breathing deeply. Supported Reclined Bound Angle Pose This pose opens hips and calms your nervous system, deeply relaxing your body and mind. It's great for stress, anxiety, and menstrual comfort, offering a gentle inner thigh stretch. Lie back on a bolster with supported knees, breathing deeply for 10-20 minutes of serene release. Supported Supine Spinal Twist This gentle twist releases spine and lower back tension, while calming your nervous system. Props let your body fully relax into the twist, soothing abdominal organs and aiding digestion. It's perfect for unwinding after a long day or before sleep. Hold for 5-10 minutes per side. Supported Wide-Legged Forward Fold This pose offers a gentle stretch for inner thighs and hamstrings, while deeply calming your mind. Props allow you to relax into the fold without strain, making it great for reducing stress and anxiety. It encourages quiet reflection and unwinding. Hold for 5-15 minutes, breathing smoothly. Corpse Pose (Savasana) This is a go-to pose for deep relaxation and easing stress. To do it, lie on your back with a folded blanket under your head and a bolster or blankets under your knees for support. Let your arms rest naturally at your sides, palms up. Stay for 10 minutes or more, breathing deeply and letting all your muscles relax. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose This pose helps relieve tired legs and feet, gently stretches your hamstrings and neck, and can ease mild backache. Sit sideways against a wall, then swing your legs up the wall. Use a blanket for your head and optionally for lower back support. Rest your arms comfortably, breathe deeply, and relax your body for 10 minutes.