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Desktop Yoga ® Sampler

Adapted from Julie T. Lusk’s Book

Desktop Yoga ® The Anytime, Anywhere Relaxation Program

Just like your computer needs a screen saver, your body needs a body-saver. Here is a well-rounded set of yoga-based exercises that can be done right from your chair at work, home, or in your car. They’re perfect for “Internet addicts, office workers, and stressed out students.” Julie’s Desktop Yoga ® book contains over 100 easy-to-follow stretches to help your back, neck, shoulders, face, hands and feet; breathing techniques to increase your concentration, improve your sense of inner balance, and aid your circulation; power napping exercises to improve energy by “taking a 2 hour nap in 2 minutes” and proven wellness and stress management strategies that work.

Three Part Breathing: Breathing deeply and fully is essential to yoga. It will help you relax and replenish your energy. Begin by releasing all the air from your lungs through your nose. Use your abdominal muscles to squeeze all the air out. Slowly and smoothly breathe in through your nose so you can feel your belly filling followed by an expansion around your entire rib cage (front, back and sides). Finally allow the air to fill the collarbone area. Release all the air slowly through your nose as you empty your lungs as completely as possible. Continue Three Part Breathing for as long as you comfortably can.

Neck Stretch. Sit up straight and allow your shoulders to relax. Let your right ear move toward your right shoulder. Only move it as far as it comfortably can without force. Take a few full breaths. Just as your muscles begin to tire, take a breath in and bring your head back up to the center.

Next, let your left ear slowly move toward your left shoulder and take a few more breaths. Then, bring your head back to center on an in-breath. It is common for one side to feel more limber that the other side.

Moving your head from side to side can be repeated several times. While doing this, imagine all the stress and strain that’s held around your neck releasing and letting go.

Next, let your chin glide down to your chest and take a few breaths. Remember to let it go as far as it comfortably can without strain. When ready, bring your head to center.

Do not move your head backward. It puts too much stress on that area of your neck.

Shoulder Shrug: Let your arms relax at your sides. Bring both shoulders up toward your ears while you breathe in through your nose. Breathe out through your mouth as you let your shoulders drop back down. Really let go. It’s fine to repeat this a few more times. This releases frustrations as well as shoulder tension.

Energy Stretch: Place both feet flat on the floor and let your arms hang to your sides. As you breathe in slowly, begin raising your arms straight out in front of you until they are shoulder height. Still breathing in, bring your arms out to both sides and then raise them over your head.

Breathe out as you lower your arms back down to your sides. Continue on for several deep diaphragmatic breaths. The trick here is to raise your arms during the time it takes to take a breath in and to lower your arms during the time it takes to breathe out.

Palming Eye Exercise: Rub your hands rapidly together with your palms and fingers touching.

Keep doing it so that you feel some heat and energy being generated. Next, rest your elbows on your desk. Cup your hands and gently place them over your closed eyes. Let the warmth and darkness soothe your eyes. Take several long and easy breaths as you imagine the tiredness being released with your out-breath, and energy and vitality returning with your in-breath.

Hand Helpers: First make a tight fist and feel the tension. Then, let go and release all the tension and tightness. Repeat.

Stretch your fingers and palms out as much as you can. Take your time to really feel the stretch. Let your hands and fingers relax gently on your lap for several moments.

Hold your arms out in front of you and bend your wrists so your fingers point to the sky. Next, point them toward the earth. Repeat, and don’t forget to breathe.

Cat Stretch: Make sure your chair is pushed away from your desktop so that you can sit on your chair and stretch both arms and hands straight out toward the desk. Place your fingers on the desktop or on your knees.

Next, lower your head as you arch your back up (just like a Halloween cat) while breathing out. On the next in-breath, raise your head and chest up while you curve and stretch your back in the other direction. Don’t strain. Continue up and down, breathing in and out as you go. Rest and relax for a few moments with your arms resting on your lap.

Foot Rolls: Kick your shoes off, stretch your legs out in front of you and begin moving your feet around in a big circle. Let your feet, ankles and calves get in on the act. Are you still breathing? Now circle your feet around in the other direction. Rest.

Next, point your toes forward and then back toward your head. Do this several times in a row. Rest.

Then, lift your legs up and move the balls of your feet from side to side. Stretch your toes and relax all over.

→ Julie Lusk, M.Ed. is available to speak about Desktop Yoga ® and a variety of wellness and mind/body topics at your special event.

How to Create a Desktop Altar

Julie Lusk was interviewed for an article in Yoga Journal (Feb. 2006) on Desktop Altars.

“You’re reeling from a stressful conference call when another pile of papers appears on your desk, requiring a late-night work session.  It’s the kind of thing that could send you over the edge – but after a few deep breaths you’re feeling calm again. Your stay-cool tool?  The desktop altar you’ve made to keep yourself centered.

To collect the items for such an altar in your workspace, Julie Lusk, a yoga teacher in Cincinnati and author of Desktop Yoga: the Anytime, Anywhere Relaxation Program for Office Slaves, Internet Addicts, and Stressed-Out Students, suggests sticking to simple objects that are linked to a specific memory, belief, or goal.  That might mean a special shell, stone, photograph, flower, fountain, book, plant, or even a simple saying that inspires you.”

“An altar need not scream “Spiritual!” says Lusk. “What makes your collection an altar is your intention – which can be as simple as your desire to return to the present each time you see it.”

–                   Yoga Journal – Issue 193 – February 2006  –   Toni Klym McLellan

Desktop Altar FAQ

1.  What is your definition of a  “desktop altar”.

Personalizing an area of your workspace to remind you of your higher values/self in a way that is personally inspirational, meaningful, uplifting and keeps you grounded and centered.

2. How might a desktop altar help people supplement their yoga or meditation practice, even in the midst of a hectic workday?

A desktop altar serves as a reminder to breathe, be mindful, and practice Desktop Yoga ™ stretches.

3.   What items would you suggest in creating a desktop altar?  Please include space-saving considerations.

Select something that is personally meaningful.  Start by stilling yourself and become aware of clues from your inner self for some things that are just right.  Suggestions include a special shell, stone, photo/picture, flower, cloth, something to hold, art, fountain, a book, plant (i.e. prayer plant, or a violet to care for), feather, finger labyrinth, or a gift from someone special. A saying or a significant symbol could be used as a screensaver.  Under various circumstances, a calendar with inspiring sayings or artwork may be just right.

4.  Any tips for how to keep it under the radar of coworkers or bosses, but still give it private significance?

• Use an ordinary object with personal significance that is linked to a belief, memory or a goal.  Consider blessing it first.
• Keep it ‘for your eyes only’ by tucking it away, like in a drawer that you use often.

5.  What items (if any) should be avoided?

• Candles (fire hazard)
• Items that could offend others (things that could fall into the realm of religious, sexual, racial, or political bias)
• Things that are distracting.
• Anything against office policies.
• Things that you are not willing to explain, discuss or defend.
  

6.  Can you give some examples of altars?

• I have a statue of an angel that was given to me by someone special, a quartz crystal wrapped in a beautiful cloth, and some pictures are beside my computer.
• Coworkers of mine and I passed around a tiny angel when times were especially challenging.  We took turns with ‘hosting’ her and felt divine support and protection as well as the support of one another.   We kept it as long as it felt right and then passed it along. The angel was always floating around among us.  This happened at a large and busy medical clinic.  I no longer work there and she was in my care at the time I left – of course I passed it along so it would keep working it’s magic.
• A friend of mine wears a mala on days when she needs extra strength and courage.

→ Julie Lusk, M.Ed. is available to speak about Desktop Yoga ® and a variety of wellness and mind/body topics at your special event.

Check out her books and relaxation CDs now.

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What is the Mind-Body Connection?

The mind-body connection recognizes the reality that the mind and body are intimately and ultimately linked as one.  There is absolutely no separation.  What is thought or felt always resonates throughout the body moment by moment through a bio-chemical reaction.  This reaction is either life and health enhancing or defeating.  It has also been verified that each emotion has a distinct biochemical signature that affects mental and physical health.

Researchers report that meditation, controlled breathing, deep relaxation and directed, guided imagery can boost the immune system, alter blood pressure, decrease pain, and help with problems such as infertility and insomnia.  These practices often help people cope with and recover from unpleasant medical procedures as well as the effects of stress from daily living.  Furthermore, the refinement of consciousness that takes place leads to spiritual growth and maturity.

Positive aspects of this connection consist of and contribute to:

• The ability to accomplish dreams and goals
• Feelings of contentment
• Living in balance
• Physical, emotional, and mental well-being
• Awakening the spirit
• Finding peace and happiness

On the other hand, the mind-body connection can also:

• Undermine one’s health physically, mentally and emotionally
• Create negativity
• Block the flow of creative and healing energy
• Contribute to illness, injuries and disease
• Cause unhappiness and dissatisfaction

Transformational tools that activate and assist this process include:

• Focused breathing
• Guided imagery and creative visualization
• Meditation
• Mind-body fitness modalities like yoga and tai chi
• Affirmations
• Honest expression and congruence of thoughts, feelings and actions

Mind-Body-Spirit Tools

• Take a 2 Hour Power Nap in 10 Minutes
  It’s easy and effective.  Don’t wait!  Take a power nap.  It’s only a click away.
• Crown Pull
  Stimulates blood flow to your brain. Reduces mental congestion. Helps overcome insomnia.  Strengthens memory. Opens the crown chakra to higher inspiration.
• 3 Thumps
  Stimulates your energy, boost your immune system, and release stress, relieve pain.

Take a 2-hour Power Nap in 10 minutes

Trouble sleeping? Insomnia is at epidemic proportions and has dreadful consequences.  A few problems associated with inadequate sleep include feeling irritable, exhausted, lowered immunity, poor mental / emotional health, and heart disease.

Relaxing regularly and deeply is the perfect remedy to conquer stress.  The World Health Organization predicts that stress-related disorders and psychological disorders will be the second leading cause of disabilities in the world by 2020.

Guided Relaxation is another tool for your stress relief toolbox. The secret to gaining relaxed energy is to clear away the mental ruckus and emotional debris to make room for clear thinking.

One of the easiest ways of doing this is through relaxing the muscular tension held in the body by tensing and releasing muscle groups throughout your body using a reliable technique known as progressive muscular relaxation.  Doing so not only releases physical tension, it also teaches you the felt difference between tension and relaxation.

By knowing this, you can catch physical tension early on and before it causes painful headaches, back problems and digestive trouble.  A calming effect for the body, mind, emotions and spirit is awakened as well.

→ Listen to Take 10 free of charge. It’s an excerpt from the Power Napper eBook by Julie Lusk that includes relaxing and refreshing exercises.

Take a FREE 2-Hour Nap in 10 Minutes Now.

Click on the Picture.

PS.  Benefit from the 2-Hour Nap in 10 minutes often by coming back to this website again and again.

PPS. 

Power Napper - Instant PDF Download!

Enjoy relaxation like you've never felt before. Guaranteed! Learn to take a 2-hour nap in 10-minutes! Audio file included! Spark your energy and erase tiredness with proven techniques to clear your mind and refresh your spirit.

PPPS.  Explore more mind-body exercises in Julie Lusk’s books and CDs, featuring deep relaxation and yoga nidra, guided imagery, and meditation.  

Crown Pull

Stimulates blood flow to your head.  Reduces mental congestion.  Helps overcome insomnia.  Strengthens memory.  Opens the crown chakra to higher inspiration.

o   Start with your thumbs on your temples with fingertips resting at the middle of your forehead.

o   Apply pressure and slowly pull your fingers apart, stretching the skin.  Breathe deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Repeat if it feels good.

o    Place your fingertips at your hairline and repeat the stretch.

o    Repeat this pattern starting at the top, center, and back of your head.  Continue until you reach the base of your neck.

3 Thumps

Stimulates your energies, boosts immune system, and releases stress.  Relieves pain.

• Place the fingers of either or both hands in the center of your sternum at the thymus gland.  Tap for 15 – 20 seconds.  Use your thumb and all your fingers.  As you tap, breathe slowly and deeply in through your nose with your tongue at the roof of your mouth and out through your mouth.
• Tap or rub the neuro-lymphatic spleen points firmly for about 15 seconds.  They are beneath the nipples of the breasts and down one rib.
• Tap or rub the spleen acupuncture points located on the sides of the body about 4 inches below the armpits. As you tap, breathe slowly and deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• In the future, use either the neuro-lymphatic spleen points or the spleen acupuncture points if one set is more tender than the other.

Get more info on the Mind-Body Connection

Power Napper - Instant PDF Download!

Enjoy relaxation like you've never felt before. Guaranteed! Learn to take a 2-hour nap in 10-minutes! Audio file included! Spark your energy and erase tiredness with proven techniques to clear your mind and refresh your spirit.