Working From Home? Try Chair-Based Yoga!

It can be super easy to get stuck in a rut of physiological imbalance when glued to your chair, desk or chosen work-from-home corner, or even sitting in a work-place office. How often do you stand up and have a sore neck and spine, let alone feel drained, after a long day’s work?

Try implementing these super-simple modified yoga poses to release tension and rebalance, all from the comfort of your own chair!

1. Shoulder Stretch
   Incredible for loosening out your shoulders and upper back, simply sit up tall facing forward, reach behind and grab the back of your chair with both hands. Whilst holding the chair, lean forwards with your chest and rotate and retract your shoulders to feel the stretch.
2. Cat-Cow Pose
   Start by sitting up tall in your chair with your shoulders relaxed and your hands resting in your lap. As you inhale, arch your back, jut out your chin then gently let your head fall backwards. Then, as you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin to your chest. Repeat this sequence 10 times.
3. Chair Twist
   Start by sitting up tall in your chair with both feet flat on the ground and your arms at your sides. Place your right hand on the back of the chair and inhale as you lengthen your spine. As you exhale, twist to the right and look over your right shoulder, using your hand on the back of the chair for support. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
4. Forward Fold
   Sit comfortably in your chair, towards the edge of the seat, with your legs stretched out in front of you, feet on the ground. Inhale, then as you exhale, bend and reach out down towards your toes gently. Breathy deeply and relax as your back, especially your lower back, is stretched out. Inhaling, slowly start curling your spine back into your seated position.

Stretch your body during the work day by doing these easy stretches daily. Your body will thank you for it!

By Sarah Panther   

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