Practising restorative yoga is a great way to take some time out to rest and renew – especially when energy levels are low. These three restorative yoga postures can be practised individually or they make a really nice short session, incorporating a forward bend, a back bend and an inversion. Stay about 3 minutes in each pose for a 10 minute restorative sequence before bed and sleep easy.
Although it’s ideal, you don’t need a yoga bolster. Get creative and use blankets, a duvet, pillows – whatever you have to hand. If you think you might want to practice restorative (also known as ‘yin’) yoga regularly, a yoga bolster is well worth the investment. If you have a yogi friend/family member, it makes a much appreciated yoga present (mine certainly was). Enjoy!
1. Supported chest opener (aka ‘the heart soarer’)
Restorative yoga – chest and shoulder opener
Physical benefits:
- Opens the shoulders and chest – great if you spend a lot of time working on a computer.
- Opens up the lungs and diaphragm, allowing for a deeper, fuller breath, rejuvenating the whole body.
- Stretches the front of the body, allowing tension to be released from the stomach.
- Increases flexibility in the upper spine.
