Do you sit at a desk for the majority of your workday? If so, try these three gentle stretches to de-stress and regain focus.
“For best results, do all or at least one of these stretches two times daily,” says Jennifer Hopper, M.S., an exercise physiologist and manager of the Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center. “Your body and your mind will thank you.”
Behind-the-back arm stretch
- Sitting in a chair, bring your arms behind your back and clasp your hands together.
- Raise your arms up as high as you can with your hands clasped.
- Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds.
- Lower your arms gently and release your hands.
The chair twist
- Sitting on the edge of your desk chair, turn your body so your legs are perpendicular to the front of your chair.
- Gently turn your torso so you can place both hands on the back of your chair.
- Take a deep breath in through your nose. As you exhale, turn and twist toward the back of your chair.
- Repeat this exercise on both sides of the chair.
The wrist stretch
- Stand and place your palms flat on your desk.
- Lean forward into your palms until you feel a stretch.
- For a deeper stretch, rotate your wrists so your fingers point back toward your body. If this move is painful, release the stretch and return to the original position.
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