Would you like to reduce stress, body aches and improve your posture? Try stretching!
If -like most of us- you have a sedentary job, the last thing on your mind might be stretching. Yet office stretching throughout the day provides many benefits. It does not have to take much time at all. Taking a few minutes every half hour to stretch your fingers, arms, back and neck can do wonders. And why not encourage your colleagues to do the same and make your workday more active?
Let us give you 6 compelling reasons why ‘deskercise’ is the way to go!
- Avoiding pain. Remaining in the same position for long periods of time can lead to tension in your shoulders and upper back. Without proper stretching even your fingers and wrists can end up in pain. Stand up regularly and take a little walk so your legs and feet also get the added benefits of the stretch.
- You will improve your blood circulation. Sleeping muscles are very uncomfortable and can cause pain. Stretching regularly improves blood circulation to your limbs when you have to sit in the same position for a long time. And your brain also benefits from this, as stretching can help when feeling tired.
- To ease stress. And that’s a killer reason! Take a deep breathe and ease into stretch a much as possible. Breathe in deep through your nose and exhale through the mouth. Stress at work is common phenomenon where regular stretching can help.
- It reduces the risk of repetitive injury. Stretching and rotating your wrists and arms couple of minutes at least once an hour, this will help with the risk for a stress injury. A stress injury means, spending long hours typing or doing the same work over and over, wrist injuries are the most common but you can also injure your shoulders or elbows if you are not careful.
- Obviously, your posture will improve. Are you reading this article hunching forward over the keyboard? We thouht so! This happens when spending hours seated. If your muscles are tense, stretching will loosen them up, making it easier to maintain your spine straight after that. Fighting tension in your back and improving your posture can be done through stretches that target your upper and lower back as well as your shoulders and chest.
- And… it boosts energy levels. Stretching removes toxins from your body, especially toxins that have accumulated in your joints and muscles. In this way, you gain energy in the same way that exercise would. Try stretching your arms over your head when you are feeling sleepy or exhausted, a simple movement that will give you new energy and wake up both body and mind.
Here you can find 8 moves that help reduce muscle tightness. Aim to hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Challenge your direct colleagues, even when remote working or during a video call. You see? ‘Deskercise’ is also fun!
Source: FITDAY
More Physical well-being related articles here.