In this modern era, with more of us working at our desk and having a sedentary lifestyle its no wonder why a great deal of us suffer from tension, stiffness and fatigue. Prolonged hours at the desk in front of the computer mostly affect the neck, shoulders and other areas of our back and hips depending on the way we sit. Our mood and our energy levels can also be affected by our habits within our office. There is a solution! Have you ever tried desk yoga?
Why is desk yoga in the workplace a revelation for the modern worker?
Desk yoga is a modern intervention for the office. It is the perfect practice to do at your workstation, any time of the day. The exercises can be performed daily at your workplace for as little as 5 minutes. For this reason, desk yoga is very practical and convenient.
What does desk yoga involve?
Desk yoga involves a sequence of stretches, aligned with deep breathing. These help reduce stress and release physical tension caused by habitual posture and practices. Doing daily stretches at your desk, aligned with deep breathing can help improve overall flexibility, neuromuscular coordination, balance and postural awareness.
How can desk yoga improve your energy levels at work?
Stretching is a safe and useful activity for healthy adults. When performing the exercise you are encouraging your muscles to release tightness and tension. You are allowing your body to increase its range of motion via movement. This aids in reducing pain, stiffness and fatigue. When breathing deeply and properly, you promote relaxation, which eases the mind from the overload of stress. Breathing deeply also helps the respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems to function better. By doing this, you can recharge our energy levels when these systems are working at their optimum potential.
An insight of the practice
Desk yoga in the workplace is a practice you do seated at your chair. Your hips, knees and feet are aligned parallel to the floor. Before beginning a series of stretches you could take a moment to close your eyes and connect with your breath. The exercise involves stretching different muscle groups of the neck, shoulders, trunk, arms, hands and the lower extremities. The practice can also be closed with some time spent on mindfulness.
How does it make you feel?
Most people that have practised desk yoga feel rejuvenated and positive. Their range of motion is enhanced and tension has been released. So doing this daily has a positive impact at the workplace.
Interested in introducing desk yoga at your workplace? Please find out how we can help here.
