Last Updated on October 21, 2022
Before the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, working from home was the exception, not the rule. Since then, more of us have been taking Zoom meetings in our PJs and napping during lunch breaks. While working from home has done wonders for the mental health of those who were tired of commuting, it also left us with a sudden drop in physical activity that, years later, many of us have yet to make up for.
When we don’t work out, or move for that matter, lethargy quickly sets in. In addition, the lack of activity can make us less focused on our day-to-day tasks and create an imbalance in our work life. Of course, the obvious solution is to move more, but how do you do it when you’re short on time and don’t have access to expensive workout equipment?
Fortunately, a quick and easy yoga routine is all you need to get moving more. The best part is you can do it in the middle of your workday without hurting your productivity. Many say even 10 minutes of yoga helps them focus on the day ahead.
Benefits of Yoga
Did you know that, on average, a sedentary person sits for about 10 to 12 hours daily? This can easily lead to improper alignment and simultaneously hurt your brain and body. Yoga can help reduce anxiety, alleviate the pressure you have built up over the day, and act as a vent for negative emotions. In addition, it can help boost your mood and develop the part of your brain responsible for decision-making. Also, it can help you feel like you’re doing your job better, elevate your performance, and increase productivity levels.
Yoga is the perfect solution for you if you want to stretch after a long period of sitting at home.
The Right Kind of Yoga is the Best Medicine
Ok, it’s not like actual medicine, but it can alleviate some of your everyday aches and pains, such as:
– Reduced stress – long periods of sitting can lead to higher stress levels in the body. So, naturally, when people deal with stress, they want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Any calming and meditative yoga can help you achieve this goal. So, use yoga to reduce anxiety and focus on improving your mood.
– Increased strength – if you want to use a work-at-home yoga routine to build upon your strength, then it’s best to try a more robust and active type of yoga. This is how you will focus on creating not only a healthier self but also a stronger self too.
– Improved posture – last but not least, at-home yoga can significantly impact the posture you neglect throughout the day. In this case, you can either opt for more vigorous yoga or turn to the wonderfulness that comes with restorative yoga. Either way, you win in any situation.
The Power of Routine
The power of a good routine can enhance every part of your life, not just the professional one. Therefore, when looking into incorporating some powerful work-at-home yoga routines into your days, you must ensure you add them in the right time frame. See whatever works best for you and include them in the morning, the afternoon, or the night.
For example, you can choose to stretch and do yoga early in the morning, before starting work, on your lunch break, or right after work. Or, if you are doing slower-paced yoga, about an hour or two before you go to bed, later in the evening.
Stay Consistent
Once yoga becomes a part of your routine, you should be able to enjoy this activity (almost) every day. What’s important to remember in this case is that yoga will not take up a lot of your time. If you’re only looking for a way to stretch out and calm your mind down a bit, even 30 minutes of yoga can do the trick.
The other option is to stretch the workout throughout the day. For example, you can start by making a few poses in the morning and leave some for the afternoon when you feel the tensest.
Also, whenever you feel like you’re a little bit tenser than usual, try to breathe into the spine, and focus your full attention on the place where the spine meets the pelvis. Place your hand on your lower back and concentrate on adding some light pressure. Breathe.
What You Can Expect
Doing some at-home yoga comes with a long list of benefits, among which you can enjoy:
– A healthier neck and back – by doing some yoga in the comfort of your home, you will alleviate the pressure you feel from a stressful day – or sitting for a longer time.
– Alleviate mental pressure – there’s always the mental pressure of performing your best whenever you find yourself in a professional setting. Even though sometimes that doesn’t happen, yoga can help you keep in check with yourself mentally.
– Gives you a healthy hobby – there’s no better way to move than focusing on a few yoga poses that can improve your day.
Try Something New
The work-at-home yoga routine is one of the best ways to focus on what’s important – your body and your mind. The sweet sensation of leaving the feelings accumulated during the day on the mat – and making way for a relieved self – is one of the best feelings in the world. So, make sure to practice more and reap all the benefits!