How To Beat The Afternoon Slump With Yoga
It’s the middle of the afternoon and you’re feeling like you could fall asleep sitting up. While your first instinct may be to reach for some caffeine, yoga may be the better option.
Yoga can re-energize your body through different movements, stretches and deep breathing techniques without leaving you feeling jittery which can happen after you drink that can of soda or afternoon cup of coffee.
Yogic breathing brings new oxygen into your body to give it a needed energy boost. The next time you’re feeling like you’re falling into that afternoon slump, strike one or two of these poses.
Spinal Twist
@kelleyapril
If you’re sitting at your desk at work and feel like you’re going to fall asleep on your keyboard, try a spinal twist. Sit with your knees close together and your feet on the ground. Inhale and raise your hands up into the air. Exhale and rotate to the right.
Bring the palm of your left hand to the outside of your right leg or the inside of your left leg. Rest your right arm down and put your palm on the seat of the chair behind you as you bring your chin over your right shoulder. Take 2-3 breaths before releasing and repeating on the other side.
Office Chair Camel Pose
@krs10yoga
Here’s another pose to try if you’re at your desk. Sit near the edge of your chair. Put your hands on your armrests. Make sure your fingers are facing your hips.
Press down into the armrests while spreading your collarbones. Lift your chest so that there’s an arch in your upper back. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds before releasing.
Chair Pose
@_daniellemcbrideyoga
Although this one is called chair pose, you need to actually get out of your chair to do it. Stand tall and bend your knees. Sit back as you try to get your thighs parallel to the floor.
You can either keep your hands near your heart, raise them in front of you or overhead. Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds before releasing.
Triangle Pose
@kelleyapril
If you can step away from your desk, triangle pose can give you a great stretch.
Start with your feet a little wider than hip distance apart. Turn your right foot out to the right side of the room while you turn your left foot in so it points to the right corner of the room.
Extend your arms out so they reach the opposite sides of the room. Tilt your hips back while you reach your right arm out. Stretch until you feel as though you can’t stretch anymore.
At this point bring your right arm down to rest on your thigh, shin, or ankle, whichever is most comfortable. Bring your left arm toward the ground and reach up to the ceiling, opening up your torso. Hold for a couple breaths before slowly releasing and repeating on the other side.
If you can step outside and do these poses, even better, since fresh air will also help to invigorate your mind and body. Try these poses regularly and stick with them to overcome that tired feeling you get when 2pm strikes.
Namaste.
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