It’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon and you’ve been sitting at your desk all day. You try to figure out how you can keep your energy level up for the last few hours, but you are fading fast. You debate running to get yet another cup of coffee to stay alert, but what you really want to do is curl up in the corner of your cubicle and take a nap! This is the time to do some “desk stretches” to revive your energy, and without the caffeine!
We often find ourselves tense, after hours of sitting at our desks in front of a computer. Our wrists start to hurt, our necks are sore, we slump over in our chairs, and our shoulders and upper backs feel tight.
Here are some stretches to do at your desk to reduce tension. 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. - 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 your 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 round your back while you exhale. Inhale, raise your head and arch your back in the other direction.
Do these exercises whenever you first notice the tension or stress from impending deadlines or long periods of sitting. While they’ll never take the place of your chiropractic adjustments, they’ll help keep you alert so you don’t need to resort to quick caffeine or sugar fixes and the crash that accompanies them. Stretching helps maintain your range of motion, increases your circulation and can take away the pain and stress caused by long periods in one position.
Stretching may seem like a small thing that you can do throughout the day but it makes a positive change in your attitude and sense of wellbeing. If you start stretching and notice significant tightness throughout your muscles, getting a chiropractic adjustment can help you jumpstart your flexibility, help your body work more efficiently, reduce fatigue and help you feel restored.