How to Do Office Yoga : Seated Sun Salute Exercise for Office Yoga

Office yoga is a great way to relieve stress, reduce tension, and improve overall well-being while at work. Here are some simple yoga stretches and exercises you can do at your desk or in a small office space:

1. Seated Cat-Cow Stretch

• Starting Position: Sit on the edge of your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• Cat Pose: Exhale and round your back, tucking your chin to your chest and pulling your belly button towards your spine.
• Cow Pose: Inhale and arch your back, lifting your chest and looking up towards the ceiling.
• Repeat: Alternate between Cat and Cow poses for 5-10 breaths.

2. Seated Forward Bend

• Starting Position: Sit on your chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands on your knees.
• Forward Bend: Exhale and slowly bend forward from the hips, reaching your hands towards the floor. Let your head hang heavy.
• Hold: Stay in this position for 5-10 breaths, then slowly roll back up to seated.

3. Seated Spinal Twist

• Starting Position: Sit on your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• Twist: Place your right hand on the back of the chair and your left hand on your right knee. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and twist to the right.
• Hold: Hold for 5-10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

4. Chair Pigeon Pose

• Starting Position: Sit on your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• Pose: Lift your right leg and place your right ankle on your left knee, forming a "4" shape. Keep your right foot flexed to protect your knee.
• Stretch: Gently press down on your right knee, or lean forward slightly to deepen the stretch.
• Hold: Stay here for 5-10 breaths, then switch legs.

5. Seated Side Stretch

• Starting Position: Sit on your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• Stretch: Inhale and raise your right arm overhead, then exhale and lean to the left, reaching your right arm over your head.
• Hold: Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.

6. Wrist and Finger Stretch

• Stretch: Extend your right arm in front of you with your palm facing up. Use your left hand to gently pull your fingers back towards your body.
• Hold: Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch hands.
• Variation: For a variation, extend your arm with the palm facing down and pull your fingers down towards your body.

7. Neck Stretches

• Stretch: Sit up straight and gently drop your right ear towards your right shoulder, feeling the stretch on the left side of your neck.
• Hold: Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.
• Forward Stretch: You can also gently drop your chin to your chest to stretch the back of your neck.

8. Standing Forward Bend

• Starting Position: Stand up with your feet hip-width apart.
• Bend: Exhale and fold forward from your hips, letting your arms and head hang towards the floor. You can bend your knees slightly if needed.
• Hold: Stay in this position for 5-10 breaths, then slowly roll back up to standing.

Tips for Office Yoga

• Breathing: Focus on deep, steady breathing throughout each pose to help relax your body and mind.
• Comfort: Only stretch as far as is comfortable for you. Never force a stretch.
• Consistency: Incorporate these stretches into your daily routine to see the best results.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help your muscles recover.

Incorporating these simple yoga exercises into your workday can help reduce stress, improve posture, and increase overall well-being.4o