What are the benefits of happy baby pose in yoga?

Ananda balasana, also known as happy baby pose, is a popular stretch in yoga and pilates.

Yoga is a physical and mental practice that focuses on flexibility, breathing, and strength. Its goal is to improve mental health. Pilates includes yoga-like movements to improve range of motion, balance, and flexibility, but it also strengthens and tones muscles.

Happy baby pose is often incorporated into these two types of workouts because of its gentle, calming movements and many health benefits. This pose is intended to improve flexibility, breathing, and strength, while also promoting mental health and muscle tone.

According toHealthshots, this pose involves gentle stretching, promoting relaxation and a sense of joy. This pose mimics the instinctive and joyful movements of a baby, bringing a gentle feel to yoga practice.

So, what is the happy baby pose? Here's how to do it and what its benefits are.

What are the benefits of the happy baby pose?

Here are some potential benefits of the happy baby pose according to yoga expert Dr. Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra:

Stress Relief

Improve hip mobility

This pose opens up the hips and thighs, increases flexibility in the area, and improves blood circulation in the pelvic region. Regular practice can help improve hip mobility over time.

Reduce back tension

The gentle rocking motion in happy baby pose can help align the spine, promote healthier posture, and relieve back tension.

Increase flexibility in the legs

This pose provides a gentle stretch to the inner thighs, promotes flexibility of the adductor muscles in the hips, and contributes to improved overall leg mobility.

Strengthen abdominal muscles

It works the core muscles as you hold your legs, developing abdominal strength and stability.

Back pain relief support

This pose involves lying on your back, which can help relieve lower back pain. It also stretches the muscles in your lower back, potentially relieving discomfort.

Digestive support

This is a great pose that stimulates and massages the digestive organs, potentially aiding digestion.

Nurture a deep connection between mind and body

Focusing on the breath and the connection between movement and breath in this pose will encourage mindfulness, promoting a deeper mind-body connection during practice.

Similarly, according toHealthline, happy baby pose can stretch the inner thighs, hamstrings, and groin, while loosening the hips and back, giving you better flexibility and mobility.

However, the positive effects of this pose go far beyond increased flexibility and mobility.

Benefits of this pose include:

- Opens inner thighs, hips and groin.

- Reduce lower back pain.

- Stabilize and lengthen the spine.

- Reduce stress and anxiety.

- Improve fatigue.

- Hamstring stretch.

- Reduce heart rate.

How to do happy baby pose?

Here are complete instructions on how to do the happy baby pose:

- Step 1: Lie on your back on a yoga mat, ensuring comfort and relaxation.

- Step 2: Inhale gently, bring your knees toward your chest.

- Step 3: Stretch your arms to reach the outer edge of your feet, if possible, hold your big toes with your fingers.

- Step 4: Gently open your knees wider than your torso, letting your knees move toward your armpits.

- Step 5: Flex your feet and place them just above your knees, forming a right angle.

- Step 6: Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply and enjoying the stretch.

It is important that your shoulders remain on the floor or mat, so do not lift them as you reach forward. Likewise, keep your head on the mat to avoid straining your neck. If this is difficult, place a rolled blanket or towel under your neck for support, or grab your ankles or shins instead of your feet.

If you are a beginner and cannot grasp your feet, hold a yoga strap around the arch of your foot to achieve this pose.

The best time to do the happy baby pose

You can do this pose at any time of the day. However, it is important to note that this pose is not recommended for pregnant women./.