Simple Stretches To Do At Your Desk

Sitting at a computer or looking down at your phone is not good for your body or posture. However, many people have desk jobs and even students have to be at their desks or in class for a long period of time. Here are some easy stretches you can perform at your desk to improve your posture.

Stretching your arms, neck and legs while sitting is essential to improve circulation and prevent you from feeling stiff. Slowly move your neck from side to side by looking left and right, but do not roll your head around your neck, as this will cause more damage. Move your shoulders up and down, while deeply breathing in and out. Now lift your arm and bend it behind your head, and place your other hand on the bent elbow to stretch it out. Sit up tall in your chair and stretch both your arms up over your head and reach for the sky.

To avoid aches and muscle pain try rolling your wrists and ankles regularly in a clockwise motion, and then counter clockwise. Make sure to move your fingers and wrists often especially when you spend a lot of time typing, as this will improve blood circulation and prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The last exercise to perform is the back and bicep stretch. Place your hands on the edge of the desk and slowly push your chair back. Your head should be between your arms, looking down at the floor. Hold this stretch and then pull yourself back in.

Performing these quick and simple stretches will not only improve posture but they will also improve circulation and have other health related benefits.

Take a look at the images below for a detailed representation of these stretches. Give it a try and let us know if you found these stretches helpful.

JL

References:

Info graphic: https://mcnak.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/office_stretches-infographic.jpg

http://www.wikihow.com/Exercise-While-Sitting-at-Your-Computer