Child’s Pose

(Balasana)

Child’s Pose is foundational yoga posture that centers on creating a moment of rest. It gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles, and relieves back and neck pain. It also calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue. Think of it like a “timeout.” A place to come to collect yourself, to find calmness and inner focus.

Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit back on your heels separating your knees wide on your mat. Exhale and lower your chest toward the floor, your belly between your thighs. Walk your hands out toward the front of your mat supporting your head by folding your arms under your forehead or reach back toward your feet and rest the arms on the floor alongside your sides, palms down. Allow the weight of the shoulders to pull the shoulder blades wide across your back. Tuck your chin slightly to lift the base of your skull away from the back of your neck. Breathe and relax for as long as you need to.