How Can Chair Yoga Benefit People With a Desk Job?

Ever feel like your desk is holding you hostage? Between marathon meetings and the never-ending emails, it can seem like your workday is a battle against your body. Say hello to chair yoga, the easiest way to relax your body and mind.

What is chair yoga?

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that involves sitting or using a chair to do postures. It is extremely helpful for those who spend a lot of time sitting at their desk jobs. Here are a few ways in which chair yoga can benefit you:

Strengthens your body

Using your muscles for yoga poses can enhance your balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Plus, more muscle mass means a higher calorie-burning rate and better bone density.

Reduces your stress

Stress is an unwelcome office visitor that never seems to leave. By focusing on your movement and breathing, chair yoga promotes relaxation and mental clarity. This can improve your mood and even alleviate anxiety and depression.

Relieves your pain

By improving strength and flexibility, yoga helps reduce body stiffness. It releases endorphins- your body’s natural painkillers.

Improves your sleep

These yoga movements can help you with reducing stress and headaches, and paving the way for a restful night’s sleep.

Easy Chair Yoga Poses

Chair Raised Hands Pose: 

Inhale and raise your arms towards the ceiling. Keep your upper body posture straight, and shoulders relaxed. Reach up from your seat and feel the stretch.

Chair Forward Bend:

Exhale into a forward bend over your legs. Let your hands rest on the floor and let your head hang heavy. Inhale, raise your arms back up and repeat.

Chair Pigeon: 

Sit up and place your right ankle on your left thigh, keeping the knee in line with the ankle.

Chair Spinal Twist:

Sit sideways, facing left, and twist your torso left, holding the chair back. Lengthen your spine on each inhale and twist deeper on each exhale for five breaths.

Chair Savasana:

Close your eyes, rest your hands in your lap, and take a few minutes to absorb the goodness of your practice. Transition into the rest of your day feeling rejuvenated.

Incorporating simple habits like chair yoga into your daily routine can significantly reduce stress and improve your overall health. So next time your desk feels like a prison, remember: a few easy movements can set you free!