Give yourself permission to do nothing.
(Photo: Courtesy of Millie Burdon)
Posted on June 23, 2026 at 10:33 AM
For the first time in who knows how long, you *finally* have a little free time. Maybe the meeting you’ve been dreading was canceled or you ended up with some time between getting home after work and cooking dinner. But what you didn’t expect is how hard it can be to find a way to seriously recharge, especially when you feel like you’ve been approaching burnout for months. So you’ll end up swiping your phone by default, which can make you feel off balance more Exhausted, then move on to the next urgent item on your to-do list.
In fact, it doesn’t take much time to reset. You can still locate and feel your internal “off switch.” More comfortable and stress-free After practicing one or a few simple restorative yoga poses, no experience needed.
4 soothing and soothing yoga poses for when you’re stressed
The following yoga poses, shared by a YogaRenew teacher Millie BourdonHelp you relax in minutes. Practice any or all of them when you need a break from the craziness of the day. Depending on the pose, you will need a blanket, some pillows, or a chair as well as be prepared to slow your breathing for a minute or so.

1. Downward facing dog with chair
This variation of Downward Dog is something you can practice at your desk without having to get down to the floor. The support of the chair allows you to settle into the stretch and focus on taking deep, relaxing breaths.
How to:
- Stand facing the seat of a chair that is not on swivel wheels.
- Place your hands on the front corners of the seat and wrap your fingers around the sides of the seat to grip the bottom. Maintain a firm grip on the chair as you walk your feet back until your arms are straight. Lengthen the sides of your body as you continue pressing into the chair and press your heels toward the floor in this Downward facing dog disparity. Keep your knees slightly bent if that’s more comfortable.
- Stay here for several breaths, then slowly walk toward the chair and return to standing.

2. Reclining restricted angle position
This position supports your back body and creates space for you to take some of it Extended breaths Both help your entire body de-stress.
How to:
- Sit in front of an ottoman or a pile of pillows or pillows. Draw the soles of your feet together and let your knees spread out to the sides. Place some rolled blankets under your legs to support your outer thighs and legs.
- Slowly lean back until your back rests on the support inside you Reclined restricted angle position. Stay here for several breaths.

3. Weak twist support
Some people say that swings are like a hug for your nervous system. This is because they help relieve tension in the spine, stretch the muscles across your chest, and stimulate Vagus nervewhich enhances the feeling of calm.
How to:
- Lie on the floor and bring your knees toward your chest. If you have access or time to gather props, place a folded blanket or pillow between your knees and tie a belt or belt around your legs and thighs to help keep them at hip distance.
- Lower your knees to the right. Raise your arms out to the sides in a T position with the palms facing up. Then turn your left palm to face the floor and crawl with your left fingers slightly to the left.
- Turn your gaze toward the ceiling or look over your left shoulder. Stay here for several breaths, then pull your knees up to your chest and repeat on the left side.

4. Prone Supported Savasana
Lying on your stomach in Savasana is a welcome version of sensory deprivation. This release literally helps you stay away from external distractions. Give yourself permission to do nothing for three minutes, so you might wake up with pillow marks on your face. (So worth it!)
How to:
- Lie on an bolster or pillows so that they support the front side of your stomach to just below your chin. Slide a rolled blanket under your ankles. Fold another blanket and slide it under your forehead. Place your arms at your sides with your palms facing either the floor or ceiling in a supported prone position Savasana.
- Relax here for as long as possible.



