The Surprising Benefits of Restorative Yoga (and Why I Dare You to Try It for 6 Weeks)
When most people picture yoga, they think of sun salutations, headstands, and Instagram-worthy stretchy poses. But there’s a quiet little corner of the yoga world that doesn’t ask you to break a sweat—or even stand up. It’s called restorative yoga, and it might just be the most radical self-care practice you’ve never tried.
And before you scroll away: no, it’s not “just lying around.” (Although you do get to lie down. A lot.)
So, What Is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative yoga is the ultimate antidote to our busy, burnt-out, always-doing world. In these classes, we use props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks to fully support the body in gentle, comfortable poses held for longer periods—anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. The goal isn’t to stretch or strengthen, but to soften, surrender, and deeply rest.
It’s like being lovingly tucked in by your future self who’s finally figured out what “balance” means.
The Surprising Benefits (That Sneak Up on You)
You might think, “How can lying in a supported pose possibly do anything for me?” Oh friend, let me count the ways:
1. It soothes your nervous system.
These poses signal to your body that you’re safe. Your breath slows, your heart rate settles, and your system starts to downshift out of stress mode. It starts a beautiful cascade effect in the body. This isn’t just “relaxing”—it’s regulating, which is something many of us deeply need.
2. You start sleeping better.
One of the most common bits of feedback I get after restorative classes? “I slept like a baby and woke up refreshed.” Your body remembers what deep rest feels like, and that can carry over into your nights.
3. It’s a sneaky form of emotional processing.
When you finally stop rushing, pushing, and overachieving, things bubble up. And yes, that can feel a little uncomfortable—but it can also be incredibly healing. Think of it as wringing out your nervous system in the gentlest way.
4. It helps with chronic pain and fatigue.
Whether you’re dealing with injury, long-term illness, perimenopause symptoms, or just feeling flat—restorative yoga meets you where you are. No striving, no pressure. Just being.
5. It makes you braver.
Taking an hour to do “nothing” in a culture that rewards hustle? That’s revolutionary. That’s powerful. That’s a reclaiming of your time, your energy, your body, and your worth.
A Little Personal Story
Six days after my beloved dog Barney passed away, I taught a restorative yoga class. I didn’t think I could. I’d been crying on and off for days, teetering on the edge of total emotional collapse. But I taught anyway—and something shifted. In that quiet space, surrounded by soft blankets and kind faces, I dropped into stillness. And in that stillness, I found a whisper of peace.
It didn’t fix the heartbreak. But it reminded me that I could breathe. That life would never be the same—and somehow, I would still be okay. That one class, along with counselling and a deeply nourishing lunch with friends, gently pulled me back from the brink. That’s the kind of quiet power restorative yoga holds.
I Dare You...
If you’re someone who says:
“I’m too busy to rest.”
“I can’t lie still for that long.”
“I’d go stir crazy doing that.”
Then this challenge is especially for you.
Next term, I’m teaching a 6-week restorative yoga series designed to help you unwind, exhale, and feel like yourself again. It’s a permission slip. A gentle rebellion. A warm blanket for your soul (with actual blankets too, obviously).
So I dare you to try it.
Yes, you might fidget the first week.
Yes, your brain might resist.
Yes, it might feel wildly unfamiliar.
And yes—by week six, you just might wonder how you ever lived without it.
Want in? Join me next term for six weeks of supported stillness, nervous system nourishment, and soul-deep rest.
✨ You bring your body. I’ll bring the bolsters. ✨
I’ll be teaching restorative yoga on Fridays at 9.30am at Albany Contemporary Dance. You can book here.
