According to research by the National Institute of Neurological Disorder, about 80% of adults experience low back pain at some point in their life. The major cause behind this is corporate culture, stress and disability in working professionals. However, the yoga expert onboard this month suggests some quick tricks through which you can convert your sedentary lifestyle into an active one without having to take 60 minutes out everyday.
Desk Break-Ups With Yoga
Research shows that short spurts of exercise can be more beneficial than one continuous stint in promoting long term adherence, especially in the case of overweight and sedentary people.
Following yogic practices can be inculcated even in the small office cubicle:
Joint Movements: Moving all your joints gently especially hands, feet and neck rotation
Breathing Exercise: Deep inhalation and exhalation helps in the following ways. • They act as natural pain killers by releasing endorphins, which act as a natural pain killer. • It also improves blood flow to the brain which keeps you attentive. • It detoxifies the body • It also improves digestion, the increased blood flow due to deep breathing encourages intestinal actions, calms the nervous system and enhances optimal digestion.
Bhramari Pranayama: Also known as stress releasing pranayam, research show that practising Bhramari pranayama for 5 minutes every day has a positive effect on haemoglobin and cardiovascular system.
OM Chanting: Researches reveal that, ‘OM’ chanting helps in enhancing human attention and concentration Some other practices that you can include as part of your daily routine to bring positive changes to work lifestyle are: • Prayer in the morning for a positive start of the day. • Stretching and meditating before bed time.
Inputs from Dr Amit Tyagi (Yoga Coach), PhD Yogic Science and MSc (Applied Yoga and Holistic Health)
and Noopur Gupta, M.Phil Yogic Science and MSc (Applied Yoga and Holistic Health)