Returning to Restorative: A Little Evening Reset

When I lived in London during my master’s program, I found the most incredible yoga studio. It felt like a secret sanctuary—a peaceful retreat from the intensity of studying. The studio offered a wide range of classes, each with its own distinct energy and rhythm. There were sound bath sessions that wrapped you in waves of vibration, dynamic movement-based flows that left you both grounded and energized, and even a yin + yoga nidra combo class, taught by an instructor whose voice was so soothing it felt like a lullaby for the nervous system.

One of the classes that stood out to me was a restorative yoga class. Restorative yoga is a gentle, slow-paced practice that uses props to fully support the body in long-held poses, promoting deep physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and restore balance. The class sizes were always small, and the room was cozy, dimly lit, and deeply serene. There were bolsters, blankets, blocks, and eye pillows infused with calming scents. The instructor moved around the room with care, adjusting our props—tucking bolsters under knees or backs, and placing soft eye pillows when needed. We were held in each posture for long periods—10, sometimes 15 minutes—allowing the body to soften, release, and surrender fully. Time slowed down. Nothing was rushed. And by the end of class, something inside you had shifted. You left feeling restored, as if you'd just returned from a deep internal journey. It was magical.

I’ve never encountered another studio quite like that one. The classes introduced me to such a wide variety of practices, many of which were completely new to me. And it’s stayed with me.

Today, like on some other days, I found myself dealing with lower back pain. I did my usual stretches but also started wondering: Could my breathing be contributing to this?

There’s a theory that many of us aren’t breathing properly—that shallow, upper-chest breathing can create strain in the body. But sometimes, it’s also about how we’re holding ourselves physically. To be fair, it’s a bit of a cycle—tension impacts breath, and poor breathing patterns can create tension. This afternoon, after the word "breathing" floated into my mind as the thing to check out, I came across a video that shared a simple exercise. It involved holding the body in a specific position and pairing it with intentional breathing. It was designed to reduce tension on one side of the body—and to my surprise, it worked.

Within minutes, the discomfort in my lower back began to ease, and I realized I was breathing more deeply than I had all day.

That moment brought me right back to the restorative class in London—the feeling of spaciousness, of slowing down, of holding the body while focusing on the breath. I knew I wanted to bring that same energy into my evening and decided to find a restorative yoga class online.

The practice I did tonight was a simple one—just 15 minutes long—and all I needed was three pillows (or a blanket or bolster if you have one). I loved holding my body in those positions and being supported by the pillows. It was peaceful, and I was able to zone inwards (except for when the pup came to see what I was doing—lol). I’m excited to explore more of these practices and make restorative yoga a regular part of my routine. It’s amazing how just a few props and some intentional breathing can shift how you feel—in your body and your mind.

Have you ever done a restorative yoga class? Any teachers or online classes you’d recommend? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments. Let’s share the goodness.