It’s 3:00 PM and you’ve been sitting at your desk working all day. You’re thinking about getting a cup of coffee or an energy drink to get through the remainder of the afternoon. Instead of going for the caffeine, this is the time to do some “desk stretches” to revive your energy.
We often find ourselves sitting tense at our desks in front of a computer for hours. Our wrists start to hurt, our necks get sore, we slump over and our shoulders and upper back feels tight.
Here are some stretches to do at your desk. Try them now:
Shoulder Stretch
Lift your shoulders up to your ears until you feel a slight tension in your neck and shoulders. Hold for 3-5 seconds and relax shoulders. Do this 2-3 times at first sign of shoulder or neck tension.
Neck Stretch
Tilt your head to one side, trying to touch your ear to your shoulder. Hold the stretch for 10-20 seconds and then return to normal. Repeat the stretch on the other side.
Spine Stretch
Raise arms over head. Stretch your right hand to the ceiling and hold for 3-5 seconds, while you exhale. Relax. Repeat with the left hand.
Lower Back Stretch
Place your hands on the edge of your desk and roll your chair back. Lower your head between your outstretched arms and arch your back while you exhale. Inhale, raise your head and arch your back in the other direction.
Do these stretches whenever you notice tension or stress from deadlines or long periods of sitting. They’ll help keep you alert without resorting to caffeine or a sugar treat.
To learn more, call us at (513) 561-2273 or contact us from our website at any time.