Yoga for relaxation at the office: a quick nap to combat fatigue and sleep problems
Learn—at last—how to relax!
Everything is moving faster in the age of the Internet, smartphones, email, and remote work—all of which have turned you into workers who never switch off. As a result, there’s certainly more efficiency, speed, and sometimes success—but above all, more stress… stress that you often inflict on yourself (do you really have to reply to that email within a minute?).
In an age when leisure and comfort are everywhere, you have, paradoxically, lost the habit of truly relaxing and recharging your batteries. If you don’t allow your mind to take a real break, stress builds up in your body and causes physical effects that can sometimes be serious. These can range from stomach ulcers to cardiac arrest.
Your brain and body need genuine, restorative rest to better tackle the challenges ahead. Convincing you of this is a challenge Yogist has taken on: this necessary break, during which you truly relax your body and mind, is not a waste of time—it’s a necessary investment. Your physical and mental fitness, your problem-solving creativity, your patience, and your mood will all improve…
If you’ve heard about the importance of power naps, the benefits of meditation, or the value of focusing before a meeting or an important decision, but you don’t know where to start when it comes to relaxing… If you have trouble falling asleep, are prone to jet lag, or are going through a busy period at work… learn how to relax in just 5 minutes, at your desk or in bed, with super-simple poses and a versatile self-suggestion technique.
The Slacker
Whether you're at the office or at home, to block out surrounding noise and light, or to recharge your batteries before an important deadline, take five minutes—just like a child in detention.
When sitting at your desk or a table, sit back in your chair with your feet flat on the floor beneath your knees.
Lean your upper body forward, cross your arms on the desk in front of you, and rest your forehead on your forearms. Close your eyes and let the full weight of your head rest on your arms.
The Upside-Down Chair
Whether you’re taking a quick nap (if you’re alone in your office), recovering from a short night’s sleep or jet lag, or trying to fall back asleep if you’re having trouble sleeping, all you need is a chair.
Lie down on the floor (if you’re not on carpet, place a towel, jacket, or coat under your back) and position a chair facing you. Lift your legs so your calves rest on the seat of the chair. Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle. Spread your arms out to the sides, palms facing the ceiling.
Let the full weight of your legs sink into the seat of the chair, the full weight of your thighs settle into your pelvis and the floor, and the full weight of your upper body sink into the floor with each exhalation.
Stillness and relaxation are the most challenging aspects of yoga. You have to relax every single muscle and learn to let your entire body’s weight settle into the ground. It’s an incredibly pleasant experience—and a real challenge for those who are always on the go! To completely relax your lower back, improve blood circulation, calm your mind, and recharge your batteries—or fall asleep!—in the blink of an eye, putting your legs up is a good habit to get into.
YOGIST gets your employees moving to help prevent stress and tension in the workplace
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