What's New in the World of Yoga:

In today's economic strife, we are all feeling the pinch in our wallets – not to mention in our shoulders, our backs and our aching knees. The unstable economic situation is undoubtedly causing us a great deal of stress, not only emotionally but physically as well.

Have you taken the time to relieve these new aches and pains through a regular yoga practice? Our lives can be so chaotic and busy that it's often hard to make it to a yoga class in the middle of a workday. If that's your problem, then you might want to consider a few ideas on how to take your yoga practice to the office.

Yes, that's right – if you can't get to yoga, yoga can now come to you!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "The disabling injury rate of falls among office workers is 2 to 2.5 times higher than the rate for non-office employees." These falls can range from something as simple as tripping over loose carpeting and wiring to more serious injuries like slipping on wet floors or falling off ladders.

Quite often, these common injuries can be attributed to a lack of focus and a feeling of lethargy from being cooped up indoors and desk-bound all day. By taking some time out of your day to do a few simple stretches and breathing exercises, you will sharpen your concentration and acquire the necessary energy and enthusiasm that will enable you to manage even the most active day.

Cyndi Lee, founder of Om Yoga Center in New York and a regular contributor of Yoga Journal, is a strong supporter of practicing yoga in the office. She recommends doing a simple yoga routine in the office that will help you feel more energized during your work day.

Cyndi was recently asked whether there are any yoga poses that can be done in a confined space at work. She responded with a definite "Yes…depending on your desk setup, clothing, and the level of comfort with your co-workers, you can practically do an entire yoga practice at your desk." The exercises Cyndi covers are simple but effective stretches that include shoulder rolls, lifting your chest through an inhalation, forward bends from your chair, and deep breathing and release techniques.

Another yoga program that can be done at work is "Yoga in the Office", an easy and effective routine recommended by Health & Yoga, a website dedicated to promoting the benefits of yoga. This program will take you through a series of simple yoga poses that will "help stretch the wrists, neck, shoulders, back and legs". By incorporating these exercises into your daily work routine, you will learn how to create a "stable and properly aligned" spine by being aware of your posture and ensuring that the position of your feet is in proper alignment. And with the amount of time spent on the computer these days, wrist tension is a common ailment that can lead to more serious problems. "Yoga in the Office" offers a series of gentle "finger bends" that will alleviate pain and increase flexibility.

So instead of reaching reach for caffeine or sugar the next time you feel the need to stave off your lack of energy at work, take a few moments to review these yoga routines. By making these quick but effective yoga stretches part of your daily routine, you'll definitely be able to relieve your tension and build up your energy at work.

Updates from the Blog:

Starting Out Yoga

The other day, a new student attended one of my more advanced level classes. Just as we were getting started, I found out from her that she was brand new to yoga and this was her first class. Continue Reading...

Chakra Energies Around Us Daily

On my most recent trip to Vancouver, Canada, something changed. Something changed in me and something changed with me.

As we drove to North Vancouver from the airport, it was dusk and it was raining.  I was born and raised in Vancouver, but I have lived abroad for many years. Vancouver has always been a beautiful city to me, and yet this time something felt different.  As we drove through the streets, an amazing feeling began to sweep through my body. I didn't quite know what it was so I kept still, taking in the shifts that I was feeling. Continue Reading...

Other Insightful Blog Posts:

• Yoga After Thanksgiving
• Introducing My Mother to Yoga
• Yoga and Celebrating the Holidays