Yoga for the Professions

Being Neighbourly x Sean Robinson, certified Yoga instructor

Child's Pose - Great for Artists

Author/ Being Neighbourly
16 April 2026

Dear artists, Remember when being good at your craft was enough? Those days are long gone.

Now (and I needn’t tell you this), as well as being the artist, you have to be the accountant, the social media manager and the head of the sales department.

It is no surprise that artists feel the need to disappear, out of the spotlight, if only temporarily, to create their best work.

Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, long-time disappearing isn’t an option for the majority of artists.

This is where yoga comes in, and, in particular, the Child’s pose where you sit on your shins, with your feet pointed and fold forwards – sinking your hips towards your heels and your head towards the floor. Known as Balasana, this is a restful, kneeling yoga pose designed to relieve stress, calm the mind, and gently stretch the back, hips, thighs and ankles. It is commonly used as a resting pose.

This is by no means a substitute for retreating to the countryside of Japan to hone your craft, but it is something. It is an opportunity to, literally, turn inwards, to shield, if only temporarily, from the eyes of the public.

Child’s pose is a retreat. Not to a place but to a space within you; and I’d add, it’s something you can do anytime, anywhere, (and though you’re bound to receive a few strange looks if you’re doing this in public, the good news is that you won’t be able to see them!).

How to do the pose

1. Take to the floor

Kneel on the floor. Lean forwards and place your forehead on the ground/your mat. Place your arms on each side of your body, palms down.

2. Hold your position

Hold the pose and stay for anywhere between 1 and 5 minutes, while breathing in for 4 seconds and out for 6.

Tips:

This pose can be done with the knees apart or, my preference, the knees together.

Physical Benefits

Muscular Relief: The pose gently stretches and releases tension in the lower back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles. It also relieves tension in the shoulders and neck.
Joint and Spinal Health: It helps strengthen joints and stretches the spine, improving flexibility over time.
Improved Circulation: By lowering the head below the heart, the pose increases blood flow to the brain, which can help reduce migraines and promote overall rejuvenation.
Digestive Support: The light compression of the stomach against the thighs stimulates the digestive system.

Mental and Cardiovascular Benefits

Stress Reduction: Child’s Pose promotes calmness by reducing anxiety, fatigue, and overthinking. The forward-fold position can create a sense of safety and grounding.
Heart Health: Consistent practice may improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and resting heart rates.
Nervous System Regulation: The pose stimulates the vagus nerve and increases GABA levels in the brain, which are associated with the body’s relaxation response.

Extra Information

Knee Support: Place a cushion or folded blanket under the knees if they are sensitive.
Head Support: Rest your forehead on a yoga block, pillow, or bolster if it does not comfortably reach the floor.
Chest Support: Placing a bolster or pillow between the thighs and chest can make the pose more restorative.

About the Author

Sean is a self-proclaimed nerd – obsessed with words, anatomy and pedagogy (the art of teaching).

If you’ve been to his classes, or seen his Instagram, you also know he loves to draw. He uses his (child-like) drawings to facilitate his teachings in an attempt to better serve those who, like him, are visual learners.

Before Yoga his primary form of exercise and expression was BMX – a bike designed for performing tricks which is honestly was too small for a person over 6 feet tall.

In his past life he was a speech and language therapist which probably explains the fascination with communication.

Stay tuned for Sean Robinson’s upcoming Yoga for the Professions contributions.