Happy Baby Pose | Ananda Balasana

HAPPY BABY POSE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Lie on your back, exhale and bend your knees into the belly.
2. Inhale and hold the outside edge of your feet.
3. Open your knees and bring them up toward your armpits.
4. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

Turn the soles of your feet to face the ceiling and stack your ankles over the knees, keeping your shins perpendicular to the floor. Roll your tailbone toward the floor and, as you hold the pose for a few breaths, try getting in touch with your inner child.

ANANDA BALASANA BENEFITS

The happy baby pose lengthens the spine, releases tension in the lower back, opens the hips and the inner thighs, and stretches the hamstrings. This pose also helps to relive stress and fatigue, and calms the brain.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Pregnancy, neck or knee injury.

PREPARATORY, COMPLEMENTARY AND FOLLOW-UP POSES

Start with child’s pose and then progress to happy baby pose. Follow-up with downward facing dog or any seated pose.

RELATED YOGA POSES

Try these other yoga poses to relax and relieve stress and tension:
Seated forward bend pose
Wind release pose
Sphinx pose
Supine spinal twist pose

YOGA ESSENTIAL FLOWS