WORK BETTER FROM HOME
our new hybrid work reality requires novel ways of distinguishing periods of intense effort and concentration from those of recovery and rest.
create clarity by using practice tools to mark transitions in your day and reduce the risk of exhaustion and burnout when working long hours from home.
your practice tools can also be used during work hours to promote your focus and comfort. each tool can provide a tangible benefit while you work.
mantra candle
set your intention
place your candle at least 6 feet away from you, preferably near a window. light your candle and bring to mind your mantra. it will edit distraction and help you focus on the task at hand.
reduce eye strain
every hour or so look away from the screen of your device and focus softly on the light of your mantra candle instead. take a few deep breaths and blink slowly and fully to lubricate and rest your eyes. repeat this process a few times and then get back to work
about our candle
our candle is intentionally unscented to reduce distraction. light with intent and focus on the moment. find it here.
mind-meld
for olfactory recalibration
aromatherapy is an excellent way to signify to your brain that you your ready to be productive.
repeat at regular intervals
as needed to revive your concentration while working long hours from home.
about mind-meld
mind-meld has been specially blended with high elevation and wildcrafted essential oils to maximize focus and calm. find it here.
eco-foam roller
as a foot rest
place under feet while working at a desk for added elevation and comfort. reduce fatigue.
for massage
rock back and forth along the length of the feet. feet have thousands of nerve endings and stress and muscle fatigue and tightness often begins there and then moves upwards. improve circulation while sitting for extended periods.
about our eco-foam roller
responsive and eco-aware our foam roller is made of a material that provides just enough give for a gentle massage. find it here
yoga strap
as a posture harness
your yoga strap can be used to improve posture by setting shoulders back in their correct alignment. this prevents hunching which can lead to neck strain and shoulder pain. it also allows for deeper diaphragmatic breathing which increases oxygen flow and focus.
learn how to
center the length of your 8 ft yoga strap across your back just below your shoulder blades. holding equal lengths of the strap in each hand bring it over each shoulder and pull down with the corresponding arm to tighten until you register resistance and your shoulder blades retract. your chest should also expand and your breathing should feel unencumbered. now cross the strap in an X-shape across your back tightening as you go. take the remaining lengths around to the front of your torso to tie with buckle. adjust as needed while working and moving about.
about our yoga strap
pliable and strong our yoga strap has multiple uses. extend reach and flexibility during practice and use as a harness for postural support while working. If you are over 6 feet tall you may need two straps for the posture harness to be long enough to work. find our yoga strap here.
practice bolster/ grounding pillow
to enhance comfort
while seated for long hours when working from home.
as lumbar and pelvic support
our malleable practice bolster can support your lower back if place along the length of your work chair. the grounding pillow can also add support for your sitz bones if placed on a hard or unresponsive chair seat.
about our bolster/ pillow
infinitely malleable both will conform to the contours of your body to support correct posture while working at your desk. find them here.
RESTORING PRACTICES
undo the damage done by long hours at your desk. keep your practice essentials close-by and take short breaks frequently during your work hours to breathe and stretch to regain focus and flexibility.
transition from work by repeating the sequence below. add somatic foam rolling to register and release residual tension and stress that may have accumulated in your body fascia during your work day.
cat/cow pose
roll out your yoga mat and get into a table top position with your hands and feet firmly pressing on the mat. inhale deeply as you arch your spine keeping your head and neck aligned facing forward with your gaze softly focused. straighten your back as you exhale and return to table top. repeat 10 cycles of breath. reduces stiffness and restores flexion.
thread the needle
from table top extend one arm at a time and then lower your torso to the ground while your reach with your raised arm under the torso to the opposite side. hold for a few seconds then return to original position. the move stretches your upper back and reduces risk of impingement of of nerves caused by poor posture at your desk. repeat 5 times and then change sides.
breathing bridge
lie back on you yoga mat with a yoga block between your knees in a bridge position. place your hands on your ribs and breathe out. then breathe in through your nose while raising your hips to release your back. repeat 5 times in an undulating flow which is also very calming.
rag doll fold
a great stretch to release tension in your back hamstring and glutes. begin by standing with feet hip width apart and hinge forward towards your mat. keep your knees slightly bent as your release your head neck and shoulders. sway side to side to gently release and stretch your lower back and increase mobility.
camel pose
increase spinal flexibility and stretch and strengthens muscles including the abdomen knees and spine. stand on your knees on your mat or another supportive surface. place a yoga block on the outside of each ankle. bend backwards to grasp the blocks as you lift your chest towards the ceiling and breathe. sit back on your ankles to recover. repeat a few times.
