The Fantastic Four - Stretches to Do at the Office for Energy and Stress Reduction
The Fantastic Four - Four Stretches to Do at the Office for Energy and Stress Reduction
These four stretches are a fantastic pick-me-up. If done consistently, they will prevent the stiffness that comes from sitting at your desk or in front of your computer for long periods of time. Even if you don’t work at a desk, these stretches will add a boost of energy to your work day.
I recommend doing them at the middle point of the first half and second half of your work day, or, better yet, every two hours. Put it in your Outlook calendar or cell phone as a daily appointment with yourself.
1. Burst Your Buttons.
a. Clasp your hands behind your back.
b. Keep your arms straight.
c. Pushing down with your hands, puff out your chest.
d. Imagine bringing your shoulder blades together.
e. Hold this stretch for a count of 10.
2. Reach for the Sky
a. Clasp your hands in front of you.
b. Keep your arms straight.
c. Bring your hands over head.
d. Stretch them up to ceiling.
e. Hold this stretch for a count of 10.
3. Elbow Grab
a. Keep your arms up.
b. Unclasp your hands.
c. Bend one arm so the elbow stays up and the hand falls behind your head.
d. Grab the elbow with your opposite hand, pull the elbow in toward the center. (If you cannot reach the elbow, grab your wrist and pull.)
e. Hold this stretch for a count of 10.
f. Switch arms.
4. Shoulder Stretch
a. Hold one arm straight out in front of you.
b. Bring it across your chest.
c. Use your other hand to pull it into your body.
d. Hold this stretch for a count of 10.
e. Reverse arms.
Lastly, bring both arms straight out in front of you. Cross them over at the elbows and grab your shoulders. Give yourself a hug, because you deserve it!