There are all different way to incorporate yoga postures into your daily life. Look for opportunities to walk or use the stairs. Try using your lunch break to walk around your building with a friend or co-worker. Instead of using the elevator take the stairs. It maybe difficult in the beginning but take your time and progress slowly. To goal of yoga is to stay flexible and limber.

Get into the practice of stretching after sitting for long periods of time. A simple standing forward bend, a back arch and twist will make a significant improvement. Take a break throughout the day, breathe and move around. Create your own “yoga time” by doing twists and forward bends either at your desk or in the car. If you are sitting at your desk, sit with a straight spine and practice walking with your shoulders back and be aware of your posture.

Yoga is also about balance. If you are leaning on a chair working or reading for an extended period of time, take a moment and switch your weight to the opposite side. Being aware of the moment and your posture will remind you to release the tension you are holding and transfer it to the other side. Most of our tension is held in our neck and shoulders and if you constantly favor one side you will develop bad postural habits. It is important not to become obsessive of your posture but to be aware and restore balance in your body.

We also weaken our backs by reclining on chairs and couches. Try to sit erect on the floor without support. When you begin, it can be very difficult and uncomfortable but over time you will develop strength in your back muscle and increase the flexibility. Most yogis enjoy sitting cross legged and the position is very comfortable and it benefits your circulation.

Keep in mind, women tend to need to work a little harder on strength while men need to work on there flexibility, but the balance will change as you continue to practice they simple yoga stretches. There is no fixed formula of what to do and how many, it is all about consistency and listening and learning about your body and the self healing that is occurring through these movements.

Always look for opportunities to stretch and bend. Take a minute out of your busy day, whether you cooking dinner, watching your child’s sports team or washing clothes you can always devote a couple of minutes for a simple twist, back bend or forward bend. It will help to relieve any tightness or tension in the body. A few minutes of calming stretches will bring better sleep and help to maintain the overall flexibility and energy from day to day.