Grab your blanket and all your favorite props. This restorative yoga exercise will make you feel the coziest you’ve ever been on your mat. This kind of reset is very welcome on the coldest and darkest days of the year, when energy is low and the need for self-care is high. You’ll take long, supported poses that melt away tension and provide warmth to your body while relaxing your mind.
Give yourself the short amount of time it takes to prepare yourself for the most enjoyable yoga practice you’ve ever done.
15 minute restorative yoga for cold days
Props are essential here for both comfort and support. Keep a pillow or pillow within reach, two blocks (or alternatives, such as books or small couch cushions), and a soft blanket.
Supported wide angle seated forward bend
Start in a sitting position. Extend your legs wide, just enough so that you feel a gentle tug on the backs of your legs or the insides of your thighs.
Place one block on the lowest level directly in front of you and your second block on the highest level, about six inches in front of you. Place a pillow or a few stacked pillows lengthwise in front of you and place it on top of the blocks, creating an angled, soft platform for you to rest against.
Make sure you are fully supported by holding your pillow or dropping your arms to either side. Make any desired adjustments for extra comfort and drape your blanket over yourself if you wish. Stay here for 2-3 minutes.
Supported deer pose
Push yourself up slowly and carefully. Let your blanket roll off your shoulders. Come into Deer Pose, or 90/90, by bending your left hand about 90 degrees and bringing your left hip against the support. Take your right hip behind you and bend that knee about 90 degrees as well. Bring your left foot against your right thigh.
Turn your chest towards the pillow and bring both hands next to it. Drape your front body onto the pillow again with this slight twist. Stay here for 2-3 minutes.
Move up slowly and take your time as you shift your props to the back of the mat, or shift your position so that your right hip is against the base of the pad and you come into Deer Pose or 90/90 on the other side.
Windshield wipers
Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Let your knees move back and forth in the windshield wipers or bring your legs straight out for a little wiggle.
Supported Savasana
Sit facing away from the cushion and lower yourself onto it in a supported Savasana. You can keep your legs straight or bring the bottoms of your feet together to create a diamond shape for the lying bound corner. Stay here for 3-5 minutes, or all day, as needed.
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