| Monday Nov 24, 2008
When you work at a busy office day in and day out, you know how typing at a computer for long periods of time can put a strain on the muscles of your neck, shoulder and back. And if left untreated, this strain on the muscles will develop into tension and stiffness. And where there is tension, there will be headaches as well as pain in the affected areas of your body, thus affecting your ability to work effectively and degrade your productivity and quality of work. However, through simple techniques of yoga, you can help lessen the pain and other symptoms of stress by getting rid of the tension and making the muscles stronger and more flexible. So why not take a few minutes off your desk, and get some yoga into your routine?
The benefits of performing yoga are near-endless, but among them are released tension, increased flexibility, stronger muscles, decreased anxiety and stress, improved concentration and memory, improved balance, decreased resting heart rate, improved immune system, and better focus. However, before you begin doing yoga at the office you must put some certain things into consideration. First, watch your breathing. Your breathing is important in practicing yoga, so it is necessary for you to take deep slow breaths, in and out before starting. Second, all yoga exercises must be done slowly and with control. You must also be focused and be in total control not just over your body but also your mind and spirit during yoga, so as that you can gain its full potential. Taking a couple of minutes sitting still can help you on this. Posture must also be checked, as your upper body must be straight yet relaxed before the exercise. And of course, have fun and enjoy the de-stressing effects of yoga.
One of the best places to start yoga is through the shoulders. First, begin by sitting in a basic position in a chair with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and hands hanging loose. Now, slowly move your shoulders to the front in a circular manner. Do this 10 times and repeat it again but in a slow backward motion. Your arms should be free and easy during this exercise.
Another excellent part of your body to do yoga with is your arms. You should start by placing your fingertips on your shoulders, with your elbows in front of you. And as you breathe in, bring your elbow towards each other and then lift both elbows together, letting the elbows swing away from each other as they go by the side of your head. In this position, try to reach with your fingertips your shoulder blades. Now hold this for three breaths, and as you start to exhale begin lowering your elbows together.
Do both these exercises three times in a row, and you will start to feel the relaxing effects of the exercise. However, you must always pay close attention to what you are doing, and if you start to experience pain, stop immediately to prevent any injuries.
