Relax With Desk Stretching

Do you know that you can do stretches and exercises right at your desk (or near it) that will keep tension and stiffness at bay, and your blood circulating? Sometimes when we sit for hours in front of the computer our shoulders start to get tight, or back gets sore and our feet try to fall asleep. When you finally get up for a break, you can barely move. If you're already stressed from day to day life, you feel even worse.
Here are some things you can do to help yourself feel better and more energized while working at your desk, and to relieve those areas that feel the stress of everyday living and work.

For your lower back

Exhale and lean slowly forward, bring your head toward you knees and let you hands drop to your ankles. Hold this for 5 seconds.

Inhale and slowly return to your normal position.

Exhale and slowly stretch your arms toward the ceiling.

For upper back and shoulders

Lift your hands to your shoulders.

Keep your elbows down and push your shoulders back.

Hold for 15 seconds.

For back, neck and shoulder tension

Inhale and raise your shoulders to touch your ears.

While raised, push your shoulders back and exhale.

Relax your shoulders.

For wrist tension and stiffness

Place your palms together, chest high.

Slowly push your palms together while lifting your elbows slightly and hold for five seconds.

Rotate your hands so the tips of your fingers point to the floor and press your palms together.

Hold for 5 seconds.

For neck and shoulder tension

Inhale and slowly turn your head to the right until you feel a slight pull in the neck muscles. Hold for 5 seconds.

Exhale and return your head to face forward.

Repeat to the left.

For shoulders, back and hips

Place your palms on your lower back.

Stretch back your upper body.

Hold for 5 seconds and release.

For hamstrings and lower back

Push your chair away from your desk and put your right heel up on the desk.

Sit straight and bend forward until you feel a little stretch in the back of the leg.

Flex your foot for a few seconds and repeat on the other leg.

All of these easy stretches will help you feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout your day. Try to be aware of your body and how it feels. When you start to get stressed, tight, or fatigued, do a few stretches of get up and take a little walk. You’ll fee better and be able to perform your work better.