While your downward dog, scorpion, humble warrior and turquoise spider-woman might not be quite right for the office, there are still plenty of simple yoga poses you can do at your desk, to relax and have a good old stretch.
If you’ve been hitting the keyboard and the mouse a lot, it’s a good idea to take care of your wrists, neck and back. Take 5 minutes out of your schedule each day and use the following exercises to release some tension and to create some internal energy.
Wrist Rolls
1. Bring your hands together at the wrists making a flower shape with your hands (that’s a ‘Lotus Mudra’, yogis!).
2. Then roll your hands forward together, bending from the elbows, without ever losing the contact between the wrists.
3. Repeat two or three times, and then roll in the reverse direction – towards your body. This exercise will give both your wrists a gentle massage.
Wrist Opener
1. Take one hand around one wrist, so that your thumb and middle finger make contact, just between the wrist joint and the hand.
2. Gently squeeze so that it feels as though your hand is being extended away from the wrists.
3. Repeat a couple of times and then do the same for your other hand.
Neck Stretch
1. Have your feet flat on the floor (remove heels).
2. Let your chin drop down to your chest.
3. Begin to circle your neck slowly, taking the right ear to the right shoulder, the head back, and then the left ear to the left shoulder.
4. Keep your shoulders relaxed.
5. Take three rolls and then change directions and take three rolls the other way.
Cat-Cow Stretch at your Desk
1. Put both feet flat on the floor (remove heels)
2. Bring your hands to your knees
3. On inhaling, arch the back and look up toward the ceiling.
3. On exhaling, round the spine and let your head drop forward.
5. Repeat for three breaths
That should have you feeling more energised for the rest of your working day. Ohhhmmmmm….
If you want to know more about how we can support your company in reducing stress call us on 020 7937 6224 or complete our short enquiry form.