For those who stare at a computer screen most of the day, you know the challenges of feeling tired, stiff and out of energy. While it’s true a high-carbohydrate breakfast or lunch can make you sluggish, sitting for long periods of time also works against you when it comes to feeling energetic.
Because any kind of movement is good for getting the juices flowing, try one of the following:
- Take a walk around your department, or even outside to get a breath of fresh air.
- If you have stairs in your office, walk up a few flights and back down.
- Looking straight ahead, do a set of 10-12 shoulder shrugs, both directions. Feel the tension lessen.
- Sitting tall, place your hands behind your head, near your ears. Slowly stretch your elbows back. This will stretch your pectoral muscles as well as the area between your shoulder blades. Hold for a count of 10.
- Stretch your neck/shoulder muscles by doing simple stretches where you look straight ahead, sitting upright and slowly bring your right ear towards your right shoulder. Do the same with your left side. Next, slowly stretch the back of your neck by bringing your chin to your chest.
- Try some Chair Pilates. There are a variety of short videos on YouTube that you can do right at your desk.
- Stretch your wrists. They take quite a toll on the keyboard and they deserve some twisting and stretching. In both directions.
- Fingers and hands – squeeze tight, then release and stretch wide.
By giving your body an occasional stretch, you’ll be providing yourself a much needed break as well as renewed energy and focus. Which means you’ll be less tired, less stressed and more productive at work.
