Boost Your Energy – Yoga Exercises To Release Stress At Work

Do you feel stressed at work? Constant exposure to stressful situations at work, leave you feeling tired, tense and drained of energy.

Have you noticed that when you feel tired and low on energy, you find it harder to concentrate, you make silly mistakes, feel ratty and short – tempered when talking with colleagues?

When you feel like this, what can you do to regain your sense of balance, perspective and humour at work? What can you do to shift your focus, to empower you to feel energised, alert and able to effectively complete your work?

Yoga may be the answer. The practice of yoga, with its emphasis on relaxation techniques, gentle stretching exercises and mindful meditation practices offers you a selection of simple, yet highly effective techniques to release tension and boost your energy.

You may be thinking you are too old, too unfit or just too stressed and tired to practice yoga. Contrary to public opinion, you can practice yoga seated on your chair at your desk. You do not need special equipment or change of clothing.

Next time you find yourself getting up to make yourself another cup of coffee, sit back down and try the following easy-to-do seated yoga exercises.

As with all forms of exercise, make sure you listen to your body and work within your own comfort limits.

Seven Easy Yoga Exercises To Release Stress At Work

1. Ankle Rotation

Sit comfortable on your chair, straight back, hands resting in your lap. Press the balls of your feet against the floor, and then lift your toes off the floor. Rotate your ankles round. Repeat this sequence 7 – 10 times on each foot

2. Seated Knee to Chest

Sitting on chair, slowly bend your right leg and hug your right knee into your chest. Take a deep breath in and as you breathe out, let go off your knee and return your leg to the floor. Repeat with the left leg.
Repeat this sequence 3 – 5 times on each leg.

3. Seated Glutes

Sitting comfortable on your chair, with one leg crossed over nad resting on your opposite thigh.
Place your hand on the inside of the bent knee. Exhale, slowly pushing down on the bent leg.
Inhale and release stretch. Repeat 3 – 5 times on each leg.

4. Seated Trunk Twist

Sit comfortably on a chair, feet flat on the floor, raise both elbows up to shoulder height, clasp the hands together. Inhale and as you exhale slowly twist to one side. Make sure you twist from the base of your spine and keep the back straight throughout the stretch. Inhale and slowly come back to centre. Repeat in the opposite direction. Repeat the sequence 3 – 5 times each direction.

5. Arm Stretch Above Head

Sitting comfortable, feet flat on the floor, breath in and slowly stretch your arms up in the air above your head. Slowly breathe out and arch your back slightly, breathe in and as you breathe out slowly return the arms to your thighs. Repeat 3 – 5 times.

6. Seated Cobra

Sit near the edge of your chair. Hold the sides of the chair. Gently stretch up and forward. Open your chest and lilt your head back. Relax and breathe into the stretch.

7. Seated Cat Stretch

Make sure you have space in front of you. Sitting on chair, bend forward and hold your ankles or shins. Arch your back, relax and repeat 3 – 5 times.

As you can see, these easy yoga exercises can easily be done at your desk. Develop the habit of including them in your daily work schedule. You will feel alert, energized and better equipped to cope with the conflicting demands of work.

Yoga Teacher and Registered Polarity Practitioner, Ntathu Allen supports women to feel the fun and joy of living in the now. She teaches you simple yoga postures, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to encourage you to live a fuller, brighter and happier life which inspires you to achieve anything you have ever desired. Ntathu offers free meditations, inspirations and yoga poses to enhance your inner health and wellbeing in her monthly ezine at www.yogainspires.co.uk.

This article should be regarded as a reference source only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Seek the advice of your doctor before beginning any protocol. The author disclaims any liability arising from the use of information on these pages.