You’ve heard it a million times: You need to make time for yourself. But where do you start? Between balancing work and family, you may already feel like you’re running on fumes. If the daily hustle and bustle has you wiped out, restorative yoga is an excellent way to bring some tranquility to your life and rebuild your energy reserves.
Restorative yoga uses a variety of supportive props—like straps, bolsters, blankets, and pillows—to ease muscle tension, reduce stress, and help you remain comfortable in nurturing postures for extended periods of time. Some of the benefits of a restorative yoga practice include an enhanced feeling of relaxation, reduced fatigue, and improved sleep.
Not sure if restorative yoga is right for you? I picked three of my favorite, free online classes to give you a sample of this rejuvenating, mind-body practice. Don’t worry if you find these videos challenging the first couple of times you use them. It can take a few tries to learn to let go and quiet your mind when you’re used to being constantly on the go.
1. Restorative Yoga: Letting Go Through Stillness and Stretch
Length: 36:08
Equipment: yoga mat, floor space, empty wall space, yoga strap or towel, 2-3 blankets, small pillow
Designed by DoYogaWithMe founder, David Procyshyn, this class utilizes a variety of stretches and props to relax and calm you. You can complete this session anytime you feel the need to release some tension or to help you sleep at night.
2. 20-Minute Gentle Hatha Yoga Stretch
Length: 19:55
Equipment: yoga mat, floor space
In this video, Yoga by Candace founder, Candace Moore, leads you through a 20-minute, full-body stretch session to open your arms, chest, shoulders, and hips. The routine is gentle, and you can modify it for your current level of flexibility. Moore suggests using this workout first thing in the morning, as a warm-up to a more intense workout, or to wind down at the end of the day.
3. Restorative Yoga For When You’re Exhausted
Length: 11:53
Equipment: yoga mat, floor space, bolster or folded towel, blanket, chair (for final resting pose)
This 12-minute video was created by The Yoga Room for those days when you’re pressed for time, feel drained, and need to nourish and rebuild your body. Plus, the instructor guides you step-by-step through the practice, so you can make adjustments according to how you feel on any given day. When your tank is running on empty, this mild routine will reset your energy levels and help you feel more relaxed.
If you try one of these workouts, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave me a comment.
