I think we can all agree that no one works harder than our loyal UPS, FedEx and other delivery drivers this time of year. Their tirelessness really shows, even beyond the time the last heavy box is brought to your door on Christmas Eve. If you could imagine what it must feel like to carry around heavy boxes in between intervals of stiffening behind the wheel, you might want to read how you can show your appreciation by offering something that will really help these men and women feel terrific.
When UPS’s health and safety manager Mike Yates told CNN, “You have to keep yourself in top physical condition to perform the job safely day in and day out,” he had decided that a yoga for therapy program for the drivers was a necessary element in preventing injury. Proven to be successful, yoga for UPS drivers in Napa Valley, California has had numerous and therapeutic effects. According to one driver, fewer injuries were just one of the benefits. Drivers have reported having more energy, in addition to feeling more balanced and experiencing a greater sense of well-being after practicing yoga.
The following simple yet effective yoga routine is designed specifically for the hard working delivery drivers of our nation. Pass it on as a helpful suggestion to your devoted delivery driver this Christmas.
Gentle Warm Up/Cat-Cow Pose
To perform cat-cow pose, come onto all fours with the hands under the shoulders and the knees under the hips. Begin to flex and extend the spine in a rhythmic fashion, matching the pace of deep inhales and exhales. Repeat cat-cow for up to one minute before resting and repeating it again. Cat-cow pose can be done as often as necessary.
Downward Facing Dog
This pose will stretch out the hamstrings that may have tightened from sitting and driving. From cat-cow pose, curl the toes under and raise the hips toward the ceiling. Make sure the body looks like an upside-down V, with the hips reaching high. Lift and lower your heels to further stretch the calves and hamstrings. Hold the pose for up to one minute. Repeat as often as necessary.
Upward Facing Dog
From downward dog, come forward to align the shoulders directly over the wrists and then lower all the way to the floor. With both hands under the shoulders, lift the upper body and hips off of the floor. The tops of the feet will stay on the floor, with both knees up or down. The hips however must be completely lifted while the lower belly draws in to support the lower back. Hold this pose for no longer than 30 seconds, as it is a powerful stretch and a little bit goes a long way.
Gentle Cool Down/Knees to Chest
Lie on the back with both knees drawn into the chest. Hug the shins and begin to rock gently from side to side. Relax the lower back completely. Breathe a sigh of relief that the heavy box holidays are almost over.
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