This week we are looking at how you can be more comfortable and help your body while at your work desk.
In the UK the growing number of people working in jobs that mean they are sat at a desk, and often for hours at a time, it comes as no surprise that aches and pains are on the rise as well! Sitting, and especially for hours at a time, can create bad posture as well as neck, shoulder and back issues. Whether you have been a desk worker for a day or years, your body can benefit from a few minutes of movement even if you can’t step away from your desk completely.
So, this week we thought we would share with you 4 simple movements, which you can do while you are at your desk, and we think you’ll really be better for.
Seated Cat Cow
- Sit forward into the edge of your chair, so that there is some space between your back and the back of your chair
- With your palms down, rest your hands on your knees and sit up tall
- Lowering your chin to your chest slowly, and round your spine until you feel a stretch (like a cat)
- Hold here for 5 seconds
- Now look up towards the ceiling, arch your back as you push your stomach forward
- Hold here for 5 seconds
- Flow smoothly between these two poses and focus on maintaining your calm breathing
Chest Stretch
- Sit forward into the edge of your chair, so that there is some space between your back and the back of your chair
- Sitting up tall in your chair, bring your hands behind your lower back, interlock your fingers
- Stretch your arms out behind you and you push out your chest
- Hold here for 15-30 seconds
Torso Rotation
- Sit forward into the edge of your chair, so that there is some space between your back and the back of your chair, sit up tall
- Place your hands behind your head
- Keeping your feet flat on the floor and your hips still, slowly turn your torso to the right and hold for 5 seconds
- Repeat this movement to the left
- Flow smoothly between these two poses and focus on maintaining your calm breathing
Neck Stretch
- Sit forward into the edge of your chair, so that there is some space between your back and the back of your chair
- Hold onto the side of the chair with your left hand
- Bring your right hand over to the base of your skull on the left side, and gently stretch your neck over to the right, assisting this with a gentle pull with the right hand
- Hold here for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side
