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Yoga Poses for Relaxation

Slow the pace of your practice with calming yoga poses designed for rest, gentle release and quieter breathing. Many of these poses work well at the end of a practice, before bed or whenever you want a less demanding approach.

Person lying on their back hugging both knees toward the chest in Knees-to-Chest Pose.

Knees-to-Chest Pose

Apanasana

Knees-to-Chest Pose is a simple lying-down shape that gently bends the hips and spine. It is often used near the start or end of practice to settle the body, soften the back and bring attention to the breath.

Person lying on their back with both legs resting up a wall in Legs Up the Wall Pose.

Legs Up the Wall Pose

Viparita Karani

Legs Up the Wall Pose is a quiet supported inversion done on the floor with the legs resting against a wall. It can be a simple way to pause, soften effort and give the back body a break after standing or sitting for a long time.

Person lying on the back in Happy Baby Pose holding the feet with knees bent wide and shins upright.

Happy Baby Pose

Ananda Balasana

Happy Baby Pose is a gentle supine hip opener that lets the lower back settle into the floor while the thighs draw toward the ribs. It is often used near the end of practice or after stronger standing and backbending work.

Side view of Fish Pose with the chest lifted, elbows pressing down, and the crown of the head lightly resting on the floor.

Fish Pose

Matsyasana

Fish Pose is a gentle reclining backbend that lifts the chest and asks the upper back to extend while the crown of the head rests lightly on the floor. It can be done in a small, simple shape and usually works best when the weight stays mostly through the elbows and forearms rather than dropping into the neck.

Person lying on the back in Figure Four Stretch with one ankle crossed over the opposite thigh and hands holding behind the lower leg.

Figure Four Stretch

Sucirandhrasana

Figure Four Stretch is a simple reclined hip opener that works into the outer hip and glute area without asking much from balance. The floor supports the spine, which makes it easier to notice how much effort you actually need.

Person sitting in Easy Pose with legs crossed, spine upright and hands resting on the knees.

Easy Pose

Sukhasana

Easy Pose is a simple cross-legged seat used for breathing, meditation and quiet pauses in practice. The shape is straightforward, but it is usually more comfortable when the pelvis is slightly elevated and the knees are allowed to settle in their own range.

Person lying in Crocodile Pose on the belly with forehead resting on stacked hands.

Crocodile Pose

Makarasana

Crocodile Pose is a simple prone resting shape that lets the front body settle onto the floor while the back body softens. It is often used between stronger backbends or at the end of a practice when you want a quiet, supported pause.

Person lying on the back in Constructive Rest Pose with knees bent and feet on the floor.

Constructive Rest Pose

Constructive Rest

Constructive Rest Pose is a simple back-lying position with the knees bent and feet on the floor. It gives many people a quieter way to settle the lower back, pelvis and breath without needing a big stretch.

Person lying on their back in Corpse Pose with arms relaxed by the sides and legs resting comfortably apart.

Corpse Pose

Savasana

Corpse Pose is a quiet resting position done lying on your back. It gives your practice a clear ending and lets the body settle after effort without asking for a big stretch or shape.

Side view of Child's Pose with hips moving back toward the heels and forehead resting down

Child’s Pose

Balasana

Child's Pose is a simple kneeling rest with the hips moving back toward the heels and the torso folding forward. It is often used between stronger poses, but it can also be a practice on its own when you want a quieter shape.