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April 29, 2019
Namaste, yoga lovers! Yoga blends stretching, strength and meditation to help improve your health, both physically and mentally. Even if you’ve never been to a yoga class in your life, you can still try your hand at desk yoga. It can help on days when stress and deadlines seem to be getting the best of you. Desk yoga takes moves you’d normally do on a mat and gives you ways to get the same benefits at your desk.
Four yoga moves to add to your work day
Sitting at your desk all day places strain on your spine, back and hips—in addition to the mental stress of your day. But you can help to undo this tension with the following five movements:
- Seated crescent moon pose. You can take pressure off your spine with this modified yoga pose. Sit up in your seat with both feet flat on the floor. Lift your arms over your head, with your palms touching. Lean to one side, keeping your head in line with your outstretched arms. Hold for two or three breaths, and switch to the other side.
- Seated pigeon pose. If you cross your legs while seated, it can create an imbalance between your hips and lower spine, but pigeon pose can help. Sit in your chair with both knees at a 90-degree angle and feet flat on the floor. Cross your right leg and rest your right foot on your left knee at a 90-degree angle. Grab hold of your knee and gently twist your torso, shoulders and head toward the right. Return your foot to the floor and repeat on the left side.
- Sit and stand pose. The muscles at the back of your legs can get tight from too much sitting, so it’s good to loosen them up. Start by sitting in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and knees bent at 90 degrees. Pressing down on your heels, raise your hands in front of you and press yourself to standing. Then, slowly sit back down using the same motion. Repeat 5–10 times.
- Desk plank pose. Plank helps you build arm and core strength. To do this pose at your desk, place your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge of your desk, and step back until your feet help you create a straight line from your head down to your toes. Hold this pose for 5-10 breaths to release tension in your spine.
Ask a coworker to join you
If you’re afraid you’ll get funny looks, ask the person who sits next to you to join in. It just takes a few seconds to feel better and do your body a favor with desk yoga.
In search of a new job?
Maybe you’ve decided the stress you’re feeling needs more than yoga to make it better. If you’re in search of a new job, contact Inter-Connect! We work with qualified candidates to light industrial and office job opportunities. To learn more, contact us today!