My favorite desk stretches | Healthy UNH

Stay flexible all day

Although there are many ways to combat some of the physical fatigue we all experience at the end of the day from home work; I think we all agree that the best way to refresh and recharge yourself without breaking a sweat is to do a few light stretches at your desk. Sure, getting up a few times here and there to go up and down the stairs or going outside for some fresh air are both very important; but these things are difficult to do when you already have a long to-do list or the weather isn’t cooperating.

Today I’m going to share some of my favorite tracks that I do a few times a day to recharge when I’m doing schoolwork and working from home!

1. Toe touch: No, I don’t mean those crazy moves that cheerleaders do at competitions. Here you stand upright with shoulders pulled back, inhale deeply and exhale slowly as you move your hands up to your shins and ankles. You should feel a slight stretch in your hamstrings and lower back. Hold this for 20-30 seconds. I try to do this at least once an hour while sitting for long periods of time because it helps blood flow and prevents me from getting a stiff back at the end of the day.

2. Shoulder circles: To achieve stiffness in your neck and shoulders, try rolling your shoulders back in mini circles for 10-20 seconds and then rolling your shoulders forward for 10-20 seconds. This is especially easy a couple of times an hour or when you’re feeling stressed because you don’t have to get up from your desk.

3. Torso rotations: This is good for relieving tension in the middle and upper back. Start by standing straight with your shoulders back. Raise your arms up to your sides so that your hands are parallel to the floor. Rotate slightly to the right without moving your legs or hips, you should feel a stretch in the middle of your back. Then carefully turn to the left. Do this for 5-10 seconds per side until you feel some relief.

4. Hand over head: This one is by far my all-time favorite! Start by clasping your hands so your fingers are intertwined. Take a deep breath and raise your hands and arms in the air just above your head. Once your arms are fully extended and you have reached the upper breath, hold this position for 3-5 seconds. After holding, exhale slowly and bring your arms down. I like to think of it as pressing the reset button. It’s a great way to relieve stress and tension that you may not be holding onto.

There are tons of other little runs you can do but these are my favorites and have helped me tremendously while working and learning from home. Let us know at [email protected] what your favorite desk stretches are!