Two Blocks. One Bolster. SO Many Ways to Rest.

Sometimes the simplest yoga setups are the ones we love the most.

Two yoga blocks and one bolster might not look like much, but together they create one of our favourite setups for restorative yoga. With a few small adjustments, these three props can support your body through a variety of gentle stretches, relaxing poses and much-needed moments of stillness.

And the best part? You don't need to be flexible, experienced or particularly good at slowing down to enjoy them.

Whether you're winding down after a long day, recovering from a workout or simply craving a few quiet minutes, this little setup has so much to offer.

How to Set Up Your Yoga Blocks and Bolster

Start with two sturdy yoga blocks and a yoga bolster.

Place one block at a higher setting to support the upper end of your bolster and the second block at a lower setting beneath the middle of the bolster. This creates a gentle incline, approximately 30 degrees. It doesn't really matter which heights of the blocks you choose. Try a couple options to see what feels best for you.

Make sure both blocks are stable, the bolster is securely supported and nothing shifts when you lean against it.

We particularly love using our Long & Lean Yoga Bolsters for this setup. Their longer, narrower shape provides comfortable support along the spine while allowing the shoulders to relax naturally.

Once your setup is ready, it's time to get comfortable.

5 Restorative Yoga Poses to Try

1. 30-Degree Angle Pose - A gentle chest opener for deep relaxation

This might be our favourite way to use an inclined bolster.

Sit at the lower end of your bolster and slowly recline, allowing your spine, shoulders and head to feel comfortably supported. Extend your legs or bend your knees, whichever feels best.

Allow your arms to rest naturally at your sides, soften your shoulders and take a few slow breaths.

This pose encourages a gentle opening through the chest and front of the body, making it especially lovely after a day spent sitting, driving or working at a computer.

2. Supported "Legs Up the Wall" - A restful pause for tired legs

If you've spent the day on your feet, this one's for you.

Sit with your bum on the floor with the outside of your left hip touching the bottom of the bolster. As you recline, gently turn your body to the left so your legs extend upward on the bolster and your back is comfortably on the floor. 

Let your arms relax and allow the bolster to support the weight of your legs. 

This gentle pose offers a chance to rest tired legs, relax your lower body and settle your breathing.

For a sturdier feeling pose - wrap a blanket around your legs or a strap around your calves before extending your legs up the bolster. This will allow your legs and spine to fully soften. 

3. Reclined Cobbler's Pose - Gentle hip opening without the effort

Recline against your inclined bolster, bring the soles of your feet together and allow your knees to fall gently outward.

If your hips feel tight, place folded blankets or additional blocks beneath your thighs. There's no need to push your knees toward the floor.

This pose offers a gentle stretch through the inner thighs and hips while keeping your upper body supported.

It's one of those poses that reminds us that stretching doesn't always have to involve effort.

4. Supported Wide-Leg Forward Fold - A softer way to stretch the hips and back

Sit facing your bolster with your legs comfortably apart.

Adjust the bolster's position and height so you can gently fold forward and rest your upper body without pulling or straining. You may need to move the blocks or turn the bolster to find the right support.

Let your arms relax and allow your head and neck to feel comfortable.

This variation provides a gentle stretch through the inner thighs, hips and back while removing some of the effort of holding yourself upright.

Remember -  the goal isn't to see how far forward you can fold. It's to find a position where your body feels supported enough to soften.

5. Supported Mermaid Twist - A gentle twist to unwind

Sit beside the bolster with both knees comfortably bent to one side.

Turn your torso toward the bolster and gently lower yourself onto it, allowing your upper body to rest. Adjust the height or position of the bolster as needed, and use a blanket for additional comfort.

Stay for a few slow breaths before carefully switching sides.

This supported twist encourages gentle movement through the spine and can feel especially soothing after a long day.

Keep the twist comfortable rather than deep. Restorative yoga isn't about pushing your body further.

Feeling too tight to twist comfortably? - Try adding a block or rolled up blanket between your bent knees.

6. Supported Sphinx Pose - A gentle backbend to open the chest and stretch the front of the body.

Lie on your stomach with your hips close to the bottom of the inclined bolster. Allow your chest to rest comfortably against the bolster, keeping your hands on the floor and your legs extended behind you.

Gently press into the tops of your feet and allow your spine to lengthen without forcing the backbend.

This supported variation encourages a gentle opening through the chest, abdomen and front of the hips while taking some of the effort out of holding the pose.

Our tip: Try lowering both yoga blocks to create a gentler incline. A little less height can make this pose feel even more comfortable and supported.

Why Restorative Yoga Is So Good for Us

We spend so much of our lives doing things. Working, exercising, caring for others, managing schedules and trying to keep up with everything on our lists.

Even our downtime can feel like another thing we should be doing better.

That's one of the reasons we love restorative yoga.

Unlike more active styles of yoga, restorative yoga focuses on comfort, support and stillness. Props help hold the body in place so your muscles don't have to work as hard.

This gentle practice may help:

• Reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm

• Encourage relaxation and calmer breathing

• Ease everyday muscular tension

• Support better sleep and recovery

• Improve body awareness and mindfulness

• Create space for genuine rest

Research into restorative yoga is still developing, but its potential benefits for relaxation and stress relief are encouraging.

And perhaps most importantly, restorative yoga gives us permission to slow down without feeling like we should be accomplishing something.

You can learn more about the benefits of restorative yoga from Cleveland Clinic.

A Few Minutes of Rest Still Count

You don't need an hour-long yoga class or an elaborate home practice to benefit from slowing down.

Start with one pose. Stay for three to five minutes, or longer if you're comfortable. Add a blanket, an eye pillow or whatever helps you feel supported.

If something feels uncomfortable, adjust your props or choose a different position. Rest should never feel like something you're forcing your body to do.

And if all you manage today is lying back on your bolster and breathing quietly for a few minutes?

That's enough.

Create Your Own Space for Rest

At Love My Mat, we believe yoga props should help you feel supported, not just during your yoga practice, but in everyday life too.

Our handmade yoga bolsters are thoughtfully designed and filled with natural cotton to provide comfortable, reliable support. They're made in small batches in our Hamilton, Ontario workshop using reclaimed and thoughtfully sourced fabrics.

Whether you're new to restorative yoga or have been practising for years, a good bolster and a couple of blocks can open up so many possibilities.

Explore our handmade Yoga Bolsters and discover how a few simple props can make rest a little more accessible.

Because sometimes, the best thing you can do for your body is give it somewhere soft to land.