Exercises To Relieve Pain & Stress At Your Desk
At CCS we like to think of ourselves as more than just a cleaning company, but as your trusted partner for all your cleaning, hygiene, and general well-being needs. After all, a healthy office is a happy and productive office.
Sitting at your desk all day has been labelled the ‘new smoking’, due to the negative health impact it can have. Whilst there is no substitute for getting up from your desk and moving around, here are a few exercises that you can do at your desk to try to alleviate some of those aches and pains – and maybe even get a bit stronger or shed a pound or two.
Try one or more of these following four exercises throughout your work day this week and see how much better every part of your body feels by Friday…
Necks-ercise
Neck pain is common among office staff and can spread to other parts of the body, so let’s start with that.
Sit up straight in your chair and turn your neck to the left, trying to look over your left shoulder. Don’t strain, but hold the position for a few seconds. Then do the same on your right side. Alternate between left and right for a few repeats.
Now, drop your chin down towards your chest and hold again for a few seconds. Reverse the move by leaning your neck back so you are looking up at the office ceiling. Again hold the position. Repeat 5 times.
Back To Basics
This one is easy – but will help stop your back from seizing up after being in the same position all day.
Again sit up straight and tall in your chair (that advice holds good for all of these exercises, by the way) then raise your arms up over your head with your fingers locked into each other and palms facing upwards.
Stretch high with your hands, almost like you are trying to touch the ceiling.
Hold for around ten seconds, breath in, breath out. Relax and repeat…
Stretch Your Legs
No, we don’t mean go for a walk – although that would be even better. These are exercises designed to be able to perform at your desk.
For this one, lift your left leg from the floor and stretch it out in front of you, under the desk. Hold for a couple of seconds then slowly bring it back towards the floor, but stop short of putting all the way back down. Hold your left leg an inch or two from the floor for 10 seconds.
Do the same with your right leg and repeat a few times more on each side.
Knee-d A Rest?
You might be getting tired now so we’ll make this the last one.
Bend your left knee up towards your chest by gently clasping it with both hands. Hold for 10 seconds then gently return your foot back to the floor. Alternate the move with each leg a few times.
Of course, now that you know some exercises that you can do at your desk, don’t forget to take regular breaks from your desk throughout the day. Making a brew, walking up and down the stairs – even going off to the loo – all of those little breaks will supplement your new desk-ercises and keep you fitter at work.
Whilst exercises are great to reduce stress at work, as is a de-cluttered workspace. We provide office cleaning services for businesses across The South West if you are looking for a happier, healthier office environment.