Chair and drivetime yoga for nurses

Here, three ways to relieve stress while on your commute, when you’re charting, and during your all-too-brief breaks.

1. Anywhere Yoga…Including the Car: Release the pressure with conscious breathing. A Harvard Mind/Body Medical Institute study found that breathing deeply and slowly with AWARENESS lowers blood pressure, triggering the body’s natural relaxation responses while increasing energy and mental clarity. I recommend three to four cycles to start relaxing immediately.

2. In the Chair or On Your Break Yoga: Do spinal twists to fight fatigue and relieve back pain. There are many ways to get the benefits of spinal twists: from a full yogic, on-the-floor position; a seated spinal twist in the car or at your desk, sitting up straight and using the arms or car seat to pull around; or a standing, arms-free spinal twist by swinging gently from side to side. It’s important to keep your hips stationary and facing forward for the maximum benefit. It’s best to start small and increase the stretch with an exhale, always staying comfortable and never straining.

3. In the Chair or On Your Break Yoga: Try inversions to relieve stress, massage inner organs and increase blood flow to your brain. This can be as simple as leaning against a wall and bending from the hips to hang with your arms loose for a few breaths. You can also push away from your computer and let your torso sink between your legs, with your arms loose.

When you find ways (and the time) to take care of yourself you can take better care of others. It’s a necessity for job longevity and long-term health. Note: These suggestions are not meant to replace any regular yoga practice or exercise program, but will extend and enhance them.