If you spend most of your work day at a desk, it’s not uncommon to struggle with slouching or face discomfort after work. To help alleviate stress and tension, while also improving energy and posture, try adding these five “office” yoga poses to your daily routine. Trust us your body will thank you!
Seated Crescent Moon
If you are sitting in a desk all day your body can become tight, which may add discomfort to your life. By doing this pose, you will lengthen and strengthen your sides, as well as your spine. Spend some time in this pose deepening your breath to hit those certain target areas, so you can return to your work with a better concentration and a taller spine.
Forward Fold
This pose can help circulate the blood after a long period of sitting and working. You can try touching the ground with your fingers if you are able, however, you can also modify this pose by placing your hands on your knees. While in forward fold, try gently nodding your head to release the built up tension in your neck and back.
Wrist Stretches
Many of us struggle with tension in our fingers, wrists, and hands because of the constant work that may involve computers and smartphones. Try these stretches to help avoid wrist or hand pain. First, you can start drawing inward and outward circles with each wrist. You can also try stretching each arm out and bending the wrist inward and outward with a little pressure from the other hand. These small stretches can add extra blood flow to these areas and will reduce built up tension.
Seated Twist
If you have been struggling with your posture, try deeply breathing in a seated twist. In doing this pose, you can create better posture and overall better circulation. If you want a deeper stretch, with every inhale try lengthen the spine and with every exhale twist the shoulder back as the other shoulder moves forward. Keep in mind not to twist too far because you want to stay in your lumbar spine.
Desk Plank Pose
While at your desk, try placing your hands at shoulder width and stepping your feet back directly under the hips to create a desk plank. It can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, which will overall help with improving posture. While slightly engaging your core, the spinal extensors will begin to contract and can help reduce lower back pain.