12 Practical Yoga Moves for Those Stuck at Any Workplace
Overworked and Fighting Stress? Help Is Here with Desk Yoga
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your workload or the demands of assisting your children with online learning? Stress can be detrimental to both your physical and mental health, but help is at hand with a few minutes of desk yoga. According to Judi Bar, a certified yoga therapist, these simple poses can be performed right at your desk to reduce stress, refresh your mind, and improve overall health.
Cleveland Clinic offers this information as a courtesy. The organization does not endorse any non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
In a busy, stressful day, taking just a few minutes to practice desk yoga can help lower blood pressure, increase serotonin levels, and decrease cortisol. This, in turn, helps you focus better, release tension in your body, and perhaps even improve your digestion.
12 Simple Desk Yoga Poses
Here are 12 simple desk yoga poses that can help you power through your day with better health outcomes for yourself, your work, and your family.
1. Neck CirclesImagine a clock right in front of you, and circle your nose around the clock, breathing slowly and easily. Reverse directions. If you feel any pain, stop.
Alignment Points:-Imagine a clock right in front of you-Circle your nose around the clock-Breathe slowly and easily
Benefits of Pose:-Softens and loosens neck muscles-Links movement to breath
2. Fan PoseSit tall at the front edge of your chair with your feet firmly on the floor. Make sure your back is off the chair, and ensure your spine is lengthened. Before you start, take a few deep breaths and relax your shoulders if they are tight or there is pain.
Alignment Points:-Sit tall at the front edge of your chair-Feet on the floor-Back off the chair-Spine lengthened
Benefits of Pose:-Works as a heart opener-Stimulates the immune system-Opens upper respiratory muscles-Stretches shoulders and arms-Increases awareness of shoulder blade movement-Aids in relaxation, which can help with digestion
Performing these poses at your desk can help you manage stress and promote overall health while working. Below are 10 more simple poses that can help you achieve a healthy balance and promote good health down the road. Try incorporating these easy-to-do poses into your daily routine for a stress-free and refreshed day.
- Incorporating desk yoga can aid in reducing blood pressure and decreasing cortisol levels, contributing to better focus and tension release within your body.
- By practicing Desk Yoga poses such as the Neck Circles and Fan Pose, one can potentially improve digestion, increase serotonin levels, and promote workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness through simple, stress-relieving exercises.
