Shashankasana - The Pose That Teaches You How to Rest Deeply

There's something about Shashankasana that feels less like exercise and more like permission — permission to fold inward, breathe, and simply stop for a moment. Kneel on your mat, big toes touching, knees apart. As you exhale, fold forward, resting your forehead on the mat and your arms stretched out in front (or by your sides if that feels more natural), letting your hips sink back toward your heels. Stay here for several slow breaths.

During pregnancy, this pose is usually practiced with the knees spread wider than usual to make room for the belly, and many women find it a genuinely restful place to pause between other movements. In the early weeks after delivery, Shashankasana often becomes a quiet refuge — a pose that asks nothing of a tired body except to rest in a supported, grounded shape for a few breaths. It's also simply a beautiful way to end any yoga session, pregnant or not, postpartum or not — a reminder that stillness is part of the practice too.

Try this right now: fold into Shashankasana, close your eyes, and take five long breaths, noticing your exhale growing a little longer each time. If getting up and down off the floor feels like a lot some days, that's completely normal — a folded blanket under the hips or forehead makes this pose far more comfortable.

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