The human body is a complex machine and was meant for ongoing movement. In an office environment, a host of health issues can occur due to the constant sitting. Issues such as heart problems, diabetes, back and shoulder pain. It is recommended that employees stop to stretch for 5-10 minutes every hour to relax your muscles and improve breathing and circulation. Don’t worry, you don’t have to break out the workout gear and get sweaty. Instead, here are some easy stretches you can do at the office to keep your blood pumping.
- Shoulder Blade Pull – While seated, lace your fingers behind your head and pull your arms back as far as they will comfortably go. This will help loosen up your back, chest and shoulders.
- The Wrist Flex – Hold your fingers up vertically and, with your other hand, pull slowly back toward your body. This will loosen up your fingers and wrists which see a lot of work during a long day in front of a computer.
- Shoulder Rolls – Slowly raise your shoulders towards your ears. Hold for three seconds, then roll your shoulders back and down. Relax. Repeat.
Exercises like these, as well as maintaining proper posture, will help with ergonomics, alleviate pain and will keep you more alert, balanced and productive. For more ergonomic tips and tricks for the office, check out our Facebook page.