Today’s work environment is often frantic and fast-paced, which can make time for relaxation tricky. Practising desk yoga can help tackle this issue, as it’s simple to perform when you have to be at work, yet it has a noticeably positive impact on your wellbeing.
Desk yoga is an easy, fast way to release tension and it increases mindfulness, focus and enhances energy levels. The practice involves five key principles that should always be followed to help you implement it correctly while working.
Five key principles of desk yoga
- Practice mindfully breathing – The basis of desk yoga starts with mindful breathing, as by focusing on your breath, you can encourage a sense of calming relaxation and sharpen your concentration and productivity. Close your eyes and breathe in deep through your nose, then let your breathe out slowly, exhaling through your mouth. Let your breath flow in a natural rhythm and be conscious that with each inhale and exhale, you’re expelling any held tension. You should find that performing this throughout the day helps you to remain bettered centred, as well as more focused on your work.
- Keep an optimum posture – Desk yoga involves performing several easy seated postures that can be easily incorporated into your workspace. Each of these poses perform an enhancing function, releasing stored tension in the shoulders, neck, and back. These areas all commonly cause discomfort for highly desk-bound individuals – but movements such as neck rolls, shoulder stretches, and seated twists will help to lesson tension and ease stiffness. If you perform these postures regularly, it will help decrease muscle imbalances and will lead to improved spinal alignment.
- Perform desk stretches – Staying seated for long periods can trigger muscular tightness and restrict the flow of blood and circulation. Desk stretches help lessen these effects, renewing your body with energy and increasing blood flow. Try including stretches like seated spinal twists, forward folds and side stretches, as these movements can be performed subtly while you’re at your desk, letting you enjoy a body and mind boost, as and when you need it.
- Practice mindfully moving – By introducing mindful movement, you can boost energy levels and decrease physical and mental fatigue. Take short breaks, where you get away from your desk and perform simple exercises, such as lunges, stretches, or even walking meditation. Doing this regularly will increase levels of circulation as well as flexibility – and this practice will also refresh body and mind, to enhance your overall wellbeing.
- Prioritise mindfulness and meditation – While physical movement is a crucial element of desk yoga, it’s equally important to nurture mindfulness by practicing meditation. Just taking a few spare moments to shut your eyes, focus on your breathing, and observe your thoughts can help boost clarity and lower stress. To further enhance a sense of peace and calm and boost workplace performance, you can make use of assisted guided meditation apps and simple breathing techniques.
Desk yoga is a balanced, holistic route to enhancing workplace wellness and by including mindful breathing, meditation and movement, alongside specialised postures and stretches, you can heighten mental sharpness, physical comfort, and overall sense of calm.
Even the smallest intentional movements and briefest moments of mindfulness can make a big difference – and by implementing the 5 key principles of desk yoga into your daily routine, you can experience a more energised and fulfilling work day.
