Yoga Poses Can Be Done Without Even Leaving Your Desk

The following is a guest post by Dahn Yoga. If you are like me and spend far too much time at a computer, maybe some of these yoga poses will be helpful.

People who sit in front of computers all day often underestimate the number of things they can do right in their own office to alleviate stress once the tension begins to rise. There’s no need to grit your teeth and bear it, because yoga poses to reduce anxiety can be done without leaving your desk.

The mountain pose – perhaps the most simple of all yoga positions – begins by standing with feet hip- width apart. Tuck your tailbone in slightly to align the hips and spine and open your chest while keeping your arms by your side, palms facing outward. Close your eyes and take a series of deep breaths, helping to coordinate your mind and body.

When you begin to feel the hours spent typing on a keyboard in your back and shoulders, try this simple stretch. Reach your right arm in front of you and cross it to the left over your chest. Hook your left arm over it until you feel a gentle pull, then bend the elbow of your right arm so that your hand is pointed toward the ceiling. Remain in this pose for however long you need, then repeat on the other side.

If you begin to feel like your back is hunched over, try standing or sitting on the edge of your seat and clasp your hands together at your lower back. Straighten your arms, then lift them upward until you feel your spine straighten, you may even get a very distinct sensation of your vertebrae coming into alignment and your shoulder blades come closer together.

Head rolls can alleviate neck discomfort during those long working days. Close your eyes and let your head drop toward your chest, rolling it in a full circle until you’re back in starting position. From there, roll it in the opposite direction. This can be a fluid movement or one in which you pause in positions that feel good to you, as you may be stretching muscles that you didn’t even realize were tense.

In order to maintain leg strength and tone even when working a desk job, try the aptly named chair pose. Stand with feet close together and lower your hips as if you are about to sit in a chair, but stopping halfway. Swing your arms upward so that your hands are pointing not quite to the ceiling. Hold this for as long as you can, because it’s a great way to keep the legs and core strong.

Author Information – Dahn Yoga is one of the largest yoga and tai chi companies in the world with its own unique style and brand of yoga. Dahn Yoga is rooted in the rich history of an ancient Asian mind-body practice, Sun Do, and in the wisdom of the Chun Bu Kyung.