I bet of all those hands that shot up then, most of you will be unaware of your posture while sitting and yet most of you will leave the office with a stiff neck and shoulders, an achy back and tight hips.
I sat in my friends' office today and it was quite an eye opener - I am not really an office person, having always worked in a physical job. I think the only time I was in an office at a desk, actually working, was when I was about 18 and during my summer holidays I took a temping position. I was only there for one day because I was so rubbish on the switch board they never asked me back! Anyway, back to the point, lovely office; clean, light, smelt good...all the essentials, but I got all stressed! Everyone was hunched over their desks staring into brightly lit computer screens, madly typing away and then intermittently sitting up and tossing their shoulders back in an exaggerated stretch. The bodies were aware that something was uncomfortable but the minds were only allowing the minimum of respite before it was back to the task at hand.
Come on people!
We only get one body it is our duty to look after it the best we can.
Now I know that this is the age of computers and lots of you out there have a job that requires you spend a certain number of days a week at a desk and that's just the way it is, but how about spending a few minutes tomorrow morning between drinking your cup of tea and discussing whether it really is possible to make one of Jamie's 30 minute meals in 30 minutes, reassessing your seating situation?
Is your chair at the right height? Your feet should be flat on the floor and your knees should be sloping down at a slight angle. Your bum and lower back should be firmly at the back of the chair and your arms should be preferably resting on your chair's armrests so that your wrists are straight at the keyboard.
Better already right?!
Now of course I am a yoga blogger so here goes with the lecture! When you get up to go to the loo or fill up your coffee cup or sneak off for a bar of chocolate and a quick read of heat magazine, (I know someone who does that, not mentioning any names...) take a few minutes to check in with your body. Place your feet hip width apart and do a few sideways bends and heart opening back bends (you know, discretely so nobody thinks you've gone mental!). Maybe roll your shoulders backwards and forwards a couple of times and take a stretch in your neck by dropping your ear to your shoulder on each side. The brave and confident among you could even fire up a quick sun salute or two, but then again, they may start getting your P45 ready if you do that! Don't say I didn't warn you!
When you've got a bit of oxygenated blood rushing back round your system take 2 or 3 deep inhales and exhales and finally rub your hands together quickly for 30 seconds or so (your boss will take this as a sign that you can't wait to get stuck back into work!) and then place your palms over your eyes for another 30 seconds. This will help to refresh your poor tired eyes and get you focused and ready to take on the rest of the day.
So do yourself a favour and give a bit of thought to your poor bod at the office.
How about getting everyone to join in too.
Tell your boss that the 5 minute yoga break will make you more productive, happier, healthier humans. Before you know it you'll be getting a yoga class going in the lunch hour...I have very reasonable corporate rates!!!
Namaste Office peeps!
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