If you are looking for the best exercise for your body and mind, it’s yoga. Practicing yoga has been shown to reduce stress, alleviate aches and pains, improve sleep, aid in weight loss, and help with mental health.

You may think you must attend a yoga class to harness these benefits. But have you heard of desk yoga? The following yoga poses are ideal for getting some physical activity while seated at your office desk.

Seated Cat-Cow (Chakravakasana)

Cat-cow pose is a classic in restorative yoga. It is known to help with balance and posture. If you experience lower back pain, this office yoga pose may help.

To get started, scoot to the edge of your chair and place your feet at a hip’s width apart. Place your palms on your thighs or brace them against the edge of your work desk and sit up straight.

Next, inhale and arch your back for cow pose, engaging your core to support your back. Then, exhale and draw your stomach in and up, tilt your head down, and rest your chin against your chest for cat pose.

Seated Crescent Moon (Anjaneyasana)

Crescent moon pose helps to improve the body and mind, helping with strength, balance, and concentration. It also stretches the sides of the body, which rarely receive the attention they deserve.

Begin this simple stretch by sitting up straight in your chair. Raise your arms overhead and join your hands. Then, stretch to one side, return to center, and stretch to the opposite side, coordinating your movements with your breath.

Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)

A forward fold is an excellent stretch for your legs and back muscles, making it a perfect end-of-workday pose. This pose is usually done while seated on the floor or a yoga mat, but you can modify it for a chair.

Start sitting up straight and scoot to the edge of your desk chair. Place your feet a hip’s width apart. Then, slowly bend forward from the hips, bringing your hands toward the floor and letting your head hang freely.

If you can’t reach your hands all the way to the floor, no worries. Keep practicing this pose, and your flexibility will improve.

Seated Spinal Twist (Matsyendrasana)

Spinal twist is another go-to stretch for relieving end-of-workday tension. It can help undo the harms of poor posture by re-aligning the spine, relaxing the back, shoulder, and neck muscles, and stretching the chest.

To begin, move to the edge of your chair and sit up straight. Reach your right arm toward the back of the chair until you feel a gentle stretch. Switch to the other side and repeat this exercise until it’s time to go home!

Get the Right Office Furniture for Desk Yoga

These four desk yoga poses can benefit your mind and body. They can help you feel more relaxed and focused throughout the workday. And you don’t even have to get up from your chair to try them out.

Are you searching for workplace furniture designed to boost employee health and productivity? Workspace Solutions is your one-stop shop for ergonomic furniture and office space design.

Browse our furniture options or get in touch to learn more about our office design services.