Yoga stretches in your office clothes? Yeah, right!
When people think of yoga exercises they often think of contortionists and tiny hot rooms sitting at 100 degrees; never an office w/ a desk and computer. Yoga exercises are for gyms or patios against the sunset, not next to your coffee and keyboard, right? Wrong. 
You have been told by me and other articles floating around the Internet that sitting for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week is incredibly bad for you. While you can certainly get up every 30 minutes and move around, why not turn those breaks into yoga exercises? Check out these 3 yoga exercises you can implement into your work day right at your desk.
Standing forward bend: Otherwise known as uttanasana, this position allows the entire back to be stretched as well as the hamstrings. Starting with your hands on your hips, exhale and bend from the hip joints, elongating your torso. If you can, bring your palms to the floor. If not, wrap your forearms around your elbows. Stay in this position 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not roll your spine up. Instead, place your hands on your hips, press down through your tailbone and come up with an inhalation. You can modify these yoga stretches by placing your hands on your desk if needed.
S Sitting Eagle w/ forward bend: Place your right ankle on your left knee, then cross your right arm over your left arm at the elbows. Raise your forearms upward and place the fingers of the left hand to the palm of your right hand (your thumbs will be pointing toward your face). If you can't join your hands, hold a belt. Lift your arms upward and breathe into your upper back. Now bend forward from your hips. Breathe deeply and feel tension releasing from your hips and shoulders with every exhalation. (http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Healthy-Living/Yoga-Poses-for-Your-Workday.aspx?p=7)
Tree Pose: This is great for re-energizing after lunch. In a standing position, place all weight on right toes. Lift up your left foot and place it as high as possible against your inner right leg. Bring your hands together in front of your chest, then inhale as your reach your hands high above your head like branches. Exhale and bring your hands back to the center of your chest. Switch legs.
These yoga stretches will keep you focused as well as energized throughout the workday. I recommend any sort of forward bend as it focuses most on the lower back, but all yoga stretches that don't require a mat or you to be in gym clothes will benefit you at the office.
Your turn. Do you have other yoga stretches that you like to use during the work day? We'd love to hear about them!
Photo Credit: lululemon athletica
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