Want To Feel Calmer in a Few Minutes? Try Supported Child’s Pose

Need to soothe your stress but don’t have a lot of time? Try practicing a supported child’s pose. One of the things I love about this Restorative Yoga pose is that it can also be practiced with or without yoga props. If you don’t have any at home or if you’re traveling, you can easily use a few pillows and blankets. And if you want to make it even less work for yourself, you could practice this pose in bed before you go to sleep.

Supported child’s pose can help calm the brain, reduce stress, and may invoke feelings of security. So grab your mat or place a blanket on top of your floor. If you have a firm bolster, you’ll want to use that. If not grab your stack of pillows, blankets, or even couch cushions, and place them in front of you. 

Bring your knees wide enough to accommodate the bolster or similar support in between your thighs. You can bring your big toes to touch or slightly separate your feet—whatever feels more comfortable. Press your hips back toward your heels. If you don’t quite connect with your heels, slide a blanket or pillow on top of your calves. 

Rest on your torso on the bolster or pillows. Rest your arms to rest comfortably alongside the body, and turn your head to one side. You may choose to cover the back of your body with a blanket to feel nice and cozy. Set a timer for four or five minutes and just breathe. Feel free to turn your head in the opposite direction about halfway through the pose.

When the timer goes off, use your hands to gently press your way up—go as slowly as possible. Move your props over to the side and swing your legs around. Once you’re seated, you can make any gentle movement that feels comfortable.

Ready to try other Restorative Yoga poses? Join Jen Walsh, owner of LSM Yoga, for our new self-paced Restorative Yoga course. This 6-hour virtual training is perfect for yoga teachers and yoga practitioners, alike. Learn more. 

Sign up now and save. If you register now, you will receive $$50 off— that’s only $199. The price increases to $249 when the course launches on June 14.