Do you get up from your desk at the end of the day and suddenly realise how sore you are? It seems counter-intuitive, but sitting all day can actually be quite hard on our bodies!
Here’s a few quick and easy exercises to do while you work. Make sure you do these at least once an hour to ensure your body is getting enough movement. Need more? An adjustable desk could be just what you need to start "active working".
Breathe
Taking the time to concentrate on your breathing for a few moments is a great way to re-focus, and re-energise.
- Close your eyes
- Inhale through your nose for a count of four
- Hold your breath for a count of seven
- Exhale through your mouth for a count of eight
- Repeat four more times
Neck stretch
While sitting at your desk, slowly tilt your head to the right, reaching your right ear to your right shoulder. Add a little extra stretch by placing your right hand on your head and gently pushing it down. Hold for a count of eight. Repeat on the other side.
Wrist stretch
Time to give those fingers a rest too. While seated, put your right arm straight out in front. Grab the fingers of your right hand with the left and slowly bend them backward. You’ll feel a nice gentle stretch along your forearm. Hold, then switch to the left arm.
Lower back stretch
Although it might look like you’re just having a nosy at your neighbour, this is actually a really good stretch. Sitting in a chair, with your feet flat on the floor, twist your body so that you are looking over your right shoulder. Only twist as far as is comfortable. Hold, then switch to the other side.
Upper back stretch
Here’s the lucky-last stretch to get you feeling chipper. Sitting in a chair or standing, grasp your hands behind your back. Gently pull your hands down towards the ground, while squeezing your shoulder blades. You’ll feel the stretch across your upper back.