Standing All Day? The Perfect Solution To Recharge Your Weary Legs and Feet.

Young woman relaxing on hardwood floorI’m sure we all agree that shift work can be physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting.  We can definitely blame continual sleep deprivation as the reason for our zombie existence.

But what about when you have to stand on your feet all day long?

Because there are a lot of shift working industries that require their employees to be standing for long durations at a time.  Some of which may include flight attendants, doctors, nurses, security staff – the list is endless.  However the downside of this is that it has the potential to make you feel even more tired and exhausted.

So if your shift working job requires you to stand on your feet all day long, then I’ve got the perfect solution for you.

It’s called “Putting Your Feet Up The Wall” pose, or in yoga language Viparita Karani.

Whilst our bodies are not designed to be sitting all day long either, standing for long durations at a time can be quite tiring causing our legs and feet to ache leading to a build-up of tension in other parts of the body.

So as a regular yogi, this is exactly why I love Viparita Karani.

This restorative yoga pose is perfect to do after work (or even at work during a break in your shift), as it has so many benefits, particularly after a busy and hectic day running around on your feet.  And the best thing is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home.  You just need a wall, which thankfully most homes do have!

Benefits of Putting Your Feet Up The Wall

  • Helps to calm a busy mind
  • Reduces swelling (oedema) in the legs and feet
  • Helps to relieve back and shoulder tension
  • Boosts the immune system by stimulating the lymphatic system to remove toxins from the body
  • Relieves stress and tension in the legs and feet
  • Helps to slow down our breathing, and calm our nervous system
  • Can also help to improve sleep and digestive complaints

How To Do The Viparita Karani pose:

  1. Place a folded blanket or yoga mat about 1 foot from the wall.
  2. Sit sideways against the wall with knees bent.
  3. Slowly lower your back and head onto the floor and rotate your buttocks around so they touch the wall.
  4. Lift and lean both legs up the wall and relax feet and ankles.
  5. Place a cushion under head and/or neck for support.
  6. Let arms rest palms up or down about a foot away from body.
  7. Cover eyes with eye pillow or small towel.
  8. Breathe slowly and deeply and rest for at 10-15 minutes.

Or better still, watch this short 6 minute video from Yoga With Adriene to show you exactly how!

So go on, take the time to put your feet up and relax – because you definitely deserve it.

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