Favorite Yoga Poses for Crafting

I've been fortunate in my crafting career to avoid any serious accidents like a sprain or carpal tunnel. I have, however, had my fair share of back pain.

Sometimes I sit on the couch or in the floor crafting for hours. The real killers are cutting out patterns and knitting with tiny needles.

Last weekend, I was cutting out circles for the Felt Flower Heart Wreath for a good half-hour when I stood up to get water. Yikes. Crazy back pain! I felt like an old bent-over man scrambling to find his balance and his cane.

Sometimes taking breaks just isn't enough. In those cases, I do a few simple yoga poses during and after crafting. I am not a professional yoga instructor, so don't try these if you think something crazy might happen.

Here are a few of my go-to poses.

Cat and Cow
This pose feels great when your back is stiff and needs some stretch. I do this one after cutting fabrics or using scissors a lot in general.

Image from healthyorganic.co.za

Block Under Your Sacrum
You don't have to own a yoga block for this one. You can use a rolled-up blanket or towel and still feel a nice stretch. I like to do this pose before bedtime. I do not usually put my block up as high as in this photo, and I still feel a stretch. No need to go crazy on the height!

 Image via yoga.prevention.com

Sun Salutations
You don't have to be as bendy as this unrealistic might-be-a-contortionist lady. (Trust me: I'm not!) A simple sun salutation gets your back in motion. Sometimes I do these the morning after crafting.

Image via abs-exercise-advice.com

Have any tricks for keeping your body pain-free during crafting? I'd love to try them!