Office yoga: 5 easy desk poses

5 easy yoga poses for when you just can’t get away from your desk.

We all know a bit of movement during the working day can give you an energy boost. However, we also know how hard it can be finding time to get moving – even for 10 minutes. So for busy days where you can’t seem to move from your desk, there’s a great solution – yoga. We’ve discovered (and practiced) 5 simple poses you can add into your daily routine.

Although desk yoga won’t completely magic away health issues such as aching joints and fatigue (especially if you lead an overall sedentary lifestyle) it’s a great place to start – and can help to improve your posture, energy levels and metabolism.

Wrist and finger stretch 1

When sitting, take the fingertips of one hand into the palm of the other hand. Extend the arm of the bottom hand and gently pull your fingers down towards the back of the wrist until you feel a slight stretch. Count to 10 then repeat for the opposite hand.

Wrist and finger stretch 2

Go back to wrist and finger stretch I, but this time around pull each finger individually towards the back of the wrist. Hold for 5 breaths and then repeat on the other hand.

Seated Tadasana

When sat down, reach your arms above your head with the palms facing up and in parallel to the shoulders. Try to straighten your elbows as much as you can. To add in a neck stretch, slowly move your head side to side whilst keeping your arms in place.

Seated twist

With both knees facing forward, bring your left hand to touch your right side. Sit up straight and rest your right hand either at your side or down by your right hip. With each inhale, sit up taller. On each exhale, move your right shoulder back an inch as your left shoulder moves forward. Aim to pull your left hip back as you twist to the right as you want the twist to stay in your lumbar area.

Seated Pigeon

Bring your right knee to your chest. Flex your right foot and start to drop your knee open by rotating your thigh out from your hip joint. Rest your right ankle on your left thigh, above your left knee. Use your hand to lightly press your right knee down (but be gentle and don’t worry if it doesn’t go very far!)