Review of Restorative Yoga: The Art of Doing Almost Nothing

Overview
Restorative is deliberate rest. Bolsters, blankets and blocks hold you so muscles can let go, breath can lengthen, and the body learns safety again. Shapes are gentle backbends, folds and side‑rests; holds run 5–10 minutes.

Best for
- Burnt‑out nervous systems; poor sleepers; over‑trained athletes.
- Late evenings when stimulation isn’t welcome.

Benefits
- Down‑regulates stress chemistry;
- Encourages diaphragmatic breathing;
- Lovely for persistent pain alongside clinical care.

Cautions
- Not a substitute for strength or mobility; it complements them.
- If you’re cold, you won’t settle—layer up.

Try this mini‑practice
- Supported heart opener: Bolster lengthways under spine, 6–8 minutes.
- Side‑lying child’s pose: 5 minutes each.
- Legs up the chair: 6 minutes, slow exhales.

Final word
Restorative is radical precisely because it looks like nothing. On busy weeks, it’s the most skilful something you can do.

-Lois