The Link Between Lack of Movement and Constipation
We all know that sitting too much isn't great for our health, but did you know it can also lead to constipation? According to research from Harvard, lack of exercise is a common cause of constipation, as physical activity helps stimulate the natural contractions of intestinal muscles. For employees who spend long hours glued to their desks, this can be, well, a bit of a pain in the gut. Here are five simple yoga exercises for constipation that can be done right from the desk (or nearby) to help keep things moving smoothly.
Yoga for Constipation That You Can Do Anywhere
1. Seated Twist
- Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your right hand on the back of your chair and your left hand on your right knee.
- Inhale, lengthen your spine; exhale, twist to the right.
- Hold for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.
- Tip: Think of this as "wringing out" the tension from your digestive system!
2. Swaying Palm Tree
- Stand up tall with your feet hip-width apart.
- Inhale, raise your arms overhead, interlacing your fingers, and stretch upward as if you’re reaching for the ceiling.
- Hold for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in your entire body.
- Tip: Imagine you're a tree, rooted firmly but reaching high—minus the actual leaves.
3. Arms Swing
- Stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Twist your upper body to the right, letting your left hand swing to the right side and your right hand wrap around your back.
- Return to the center and twist to the other side.
- Repeat a few times, moving gently.
- Tip: Imagine you’re spinning like a slow-motion windmill—just without the breeze!
4. Squat Pose
Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart.
- Slowly lower yourself into a squat, bringing your hands together at your chest in a prayer position. You can hold on to your chair or desk for support.
- Keep your heels on the floor and your back straight.
- Hold for a few breaths, then slowly rise back up.
- Tip: If your colleagues give you funny looks, tell them you're just "getting grounded."
5. Child's Pose
- Kneel on your bed (or a mat) with your big toes touching and knees spread apart.
- Sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward, lowering your torso between your thighs.
- Rest your forehead on the floor and breathe deeply.
- Hold for a few breaths, then slowly rise.
- Tip: It’s like taking a little break in the middle of your day—no nap required (though it might be tempting)!
Yoga For Constipation: Improving Staff Health with Regular Movement
Incorporating these simple yoga exercises for constipation into the workday can help prevent digestive issues and improve overall staff health. Encouraging employees to take smart breaks for movement not only boosts physical health but also enhances focus and productivity. Plus, it adds a little fun to the day—because who doesn’t love a good stretch?
👉 If you're an HR professional looking to empower your employees with more self-care tools, visit our Yoga Workshop service page. Organise a wellness workshop tailored to your team’s needs and help them stay healthy, active, and productive throughout the workday.
