Yoga provides relief from many of the stresses associated with working in an office.
Working at a desk can be more stressful for your body than you may think. Spending long periods in a chair can cause your circulation to slow down and that often results in muscle tension. And if you have the added stress of a type-A personality boss, you could be on your way to a major ibuprofen moment. This stress can carry over into your personal life as well, resulting in increased anxiety and sleepless nights….click & see
Fortunately, as many have discovered, yoga can offer great relief from many of the stresses associated with working in an office. Certain yoga movements can even be accomplished in just a few minutes, right at your desk.
Yoga stretches and breathing exercises oxygenate the blood, improve blood flow to the muscles and relieve tension, says Sarah Schain, a certified yoga instructor and the founding director of Little Yoga Studios in Bethesda, Maryland.
Anger management:
Schain says the first step to relaxing in office is learning proper breathing techniques.
When Im having a tough day and I’m ready to blow up at my boss, I take an anger-management breath, says Lori Wiley, a certified yoga instructor at New Generation Yoga in New York City, who also works as an administrative assistant.
Calm of mind:
Schain’s Office Refresher: Breathe deeply into the bottom of your stomach (diaphragm), watching as your belly expands like a balloon. Then breathe out slowly. Repeat this for at least one minute. Close your eyes if you can, and try to take deeper, slower and longer breaths every time. Don’t hold your breath, but keep it moving as you relax your body.
Wiley’s Anger-Management Breath: Breathe in through your nose for a second, and then breathe out through your nose for a second. Repeat this, adding one second to breathe in and one second to breathe out each time. You will feel much calmer by the time you build up to 10 seconds.
Cat pose:
Stretching is one of the best ways to cool down during the workday,†Schain says. “There are therapeutic yoga poses that can be done while sitting in your chair that will work wonders for your posture, your peace of mind and the chronic neck and shoulder tension that happens so easily at a desk job.
Schain recommends the cat pose in a chair. Sit on the edge of your chair, resting your hands on your knees. Rock your spine forward, squeezing your shoulders forward as you create a slump in your back. Hold the position for a second or two, and then sit up tall bringing your shoulders all the way down. Repeat this process until you feel your back relax.
Pamper yourself:
In addition to breathing and stretching exercises, Wiley recommends bringing a few items that will help.
Aromatherapy: Keep a lavender-scented moisturiser at your desk as it has soothing characteristics. You may also consider bringing in some lavender potpourri. Just be sure the aroma is subtle enough so that it doesn’t bother your co-workers.
Tea: Instead of taking a midday coffee break, indulge in some chamomile tea. Chamomile can help you calm down after a stressful bout with your manager or co-workers.
Visual aids: Keep a photograph of your favourite place, an inspirational quote or even fresh flowers at your desk treat yourself.
Source: The Telegraph (Kolkata,India)
