Are you seeking a quick Yoga routine to combat stress and the afternoon slump? We asked seven professionals, including an SEO content writer, co-founder, and Chief Editor, for their top recommendations. From trying Cobra Pose to mastering the Seated Spinal Twist, discover the routines they swear by to stay energized and focused throughout the workday.

• Try Cobra Pose 
• Practice Deep Breathing 
• Do a Forward Fold
• Follow the Five-Minute Yoga Routine 
• Fly in Eagle Pose 
• Flow Through Desk Yoga 
• Master the Seated Spinal Twist 

1. Try Cobra Pose 

Cobra Pose offers several key advantages that directly address the common challenges faced by individuals who spend long hours at desks. It helps counteract the adverse effects of prolonged sitting by gently stretching the chest and shoulders, areas prone to tension, and rounding due to extended computer use. 

Cobra Pose promotes relaxation and stress reduction by releasing tension in the upper back and neck, providing a valuable respite from the demands of office life. This yoga posture encourages deep, intentional breathing, instantly calming the nervous system and effectively alleviating stress and anxiety.

Damar W, SEO Content Writer, Explainerd

2. Practice Deep Breathing 

Deep breathing is the best and quickest Yoga Routine for office workers to relieve stress and avoid the afternoon slump. Why is this so?

You do not need to make yoga poses that look weird in the office. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of four. Now exhale completely through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this deep-breathing pattern for one minute.

Deep-breathing yoga is also known as diaphragmatic and abdominal breathing. When you inhale slowly and deeply through the nose, it allows the diaphragm to expand fully. This technique helps employees in the office reduce stress, anxiety and lower blood pressure. Since deep breathing increases the oxygen supply, it improves brain function and enhances focus.

Saikat Ghosh, Associate Director of HR and Business, Technource

3. Do a Forward Fold

If the term “office yoga” makes you cringe, you’re not alone. But you can reap the benefits without the jargon. Try a “Forward Fold,” standing and bending at the waist with your arms and head hanging freely. 

This is your body’s natural reset button. It’s a moment to let go of everything holding you back—stress, tension, that annoying problem you can’t solve. It’s your permission to hit refresh.

Dilruba Erkan, Consultant, Morse Decoder

4. Follow the Five-Minute Yoga Routine 

As an RYT-200 Certified Yoga teacher, a quick five-minute yoga routine is recommended for mental clarity and energy levels. Here’s a simple sequence that is personally used and recommended:

1. Seated Cat-Cow: Sit at the edge of your chair, inhale, and arch your back; exhale and round it. Do this for five breaths.
2. Chair Twist: While seated, twist your torso to one side, holding onto the back of the chair. Hold for three breaths, then switch.
3. Forward Fold: Stand up, fold forward at the hips, letting your arms and head hang. Hold for five breaths.
4. Mountain Pose: Stand tall, take a deep breath, and raise your arms overhead. Hold for three breaths.

This routine focuses on spinal mobility and deep breathing, which are key to reducing stress and increasing alertness, especially for office workers.

Bayu Prihandito, Psychology Expert, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture

5. Fly in Eagle Pose

The Eagle Pose is a quick yoga routine for office workers to relieve stress and avoid the afternoon slump. This pose releases tension in the shoulders, neck, and upper back, common discomfort areas for desk workers. 

To practice it, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, cross your right arm over your left, bend your elbows, and wrap your forearms around each other. Lift your right leg and cross it over your left thigh or calf, feeling a stretch in your upper back, shoulders, hips, and thighs. Hold, then switch sides. 

This helps alleviate upper body stress, engages core muscles, and improves balance and stability during the day.

Steve Dinelli, Founder, MarketerInterview.com

6. Flow Through Desk Yoga 

Speaking from my experience as a busy serial entrepreneur who spends a lot of time sitting at my desk, I’ve found that the secret to navigating the hectic world of business isn’t just about time management but energy management. 

One of the most effective tools I’ve integrated into my routine is a quick yoga flow, even at my desk. I always start with a minute of deep, centered breathing to anchor myself. This is followed by a seated twist, where I turn my torso to the right and then to the left, using the back of my chair for a gentle stretch. 

This movement not only helps to realign my spine but also shakes off any stiffness I’ve accumulated. Then, I indulge in a seated forward bend, hinging at the hips and letting my head and arms hang towards the ground. It feels like a mental and physical reset. Then I do a chair pigeon pose to open my hips. 

This five-minute routine has been a game-changer in keeping me both energized and grounded!

Mona Kirstein, Ph.D., Digital Strategist, Holistic Coach and Consultant, The Wholehearted Path

7. Master the Seated Spinal Twist 

For office workers, one quick yoga routine is the Seated Spinal Twist. This is an easy way to stretch and relax the body at the office. The process includes a few steps to follow:

• Sit up straight in your chair.
• Place your right hand on the back of your chair and your left hand on your right knee.
• Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale as you gently twist to the right
• Hold for 20 seconds, then switch sides.

This twist relieves spinal tension, enhances digestion, and can help alleviate stress and prevent the afternoon slump.
Steven Wright, Co-Founder and Chief Editor, Lifestyle to the MAX

Unleashing Inner Zen: 7 Expert-Backed Yoga Routines to Outsmart Stress and Boost Productivity in the Office

Now that we’ve heard from the experts, it’s time to dive deeper. What do these routines mean for you, the modern-day office warrior? How can they be adapted into your day-to-day life to fight off stress and promote well-being? Grab your yoga mat—figuratively, of course—and let’s get into our analysis. Keep reading to unlock the key to a happier, healthier workday!

• Cobra Pose: Perfect for unwinding that tension we carry in our upper bodies from hours of keyboard clacking and mouse scrolling.
• Deep Breathing: A godsend for those stressful moments when you feel overwhelmed but can’t exactly break out into a full yoga routine in the office.
• Forward Fold: Just the thing to help shake off that afternoon sluggishness.
• Five-Minute Yoga Routine: A multi-step process that offers a little of everything, from spinal mobility to breathing exercises.
• Eagle Pose: Ideal for upper body relief and engaging core muscles—great for maintaining good posture.
• Desk Yoga: A convenient, low-profile way to incorporate stretches and deep breaths into your day.
• Seated Spinal Twist: Easy to do, and effective at alleviating the infamous “afternoon slump.”

Tips for Maximizing Your Yoga Experience

• Set a Reminder: Pop a daily alert on your phone or computer to remind you to step back and do your quick routine.
• Dress Smart: Opt for comfy clothing that allows for a range of movement—you don’t want to be restricted while stretching.
• Hydrate: Before and after your mini-session, take a few sips of water to help with muscle recovery.

The key takeaway is to find what works best for you. Mix and match these routines to suit your needs, and you’ll improve your physical well-being, focus, and productivity at work. Keep stretching

The post 7 Quick Yoga Routines for Office Workers to Relieve Stress appeared first on Yoga Divinity.