Desk jobs are running rampant in today’s world. You may be one of the millions of people who spend eight hours or more starring at a computer screen. You will also know some of the discomfort that sitting at a computer desk for that long can bring. There are some things that you can do to alleviate these discomforts. Standing desks can help your back and neck and getting up and walking around is a great way to get blood moving. You can also do this quick little set of desk yoga to help your eyes, neck and shoulders, and your wrist. It does not take much time, and you can do it while sitting in your office chair.
Eyes
Starring at a computer screen can be terrible for your eyes. The strain is intense, and your natural blinking habits can be permanently changed. To combat this, you can follow these quick steps:
Squish your eyes shut, as though you are anticipating a surprise. Do this 10 times to get your natural eye lubricants flowing.
Look for 20 seconds at something at least 20 feet away.
Cross your eyes by looking at the tip of your nose 10 times to help relax the muscles that control your eyes. You should notice an improvement in how your eyes feel right away.
Neck and Shoulders
Your neck and shoulders will get tight sitting at a desk. Proper ergonomics will help, but it is not going to fix the problem when you spend a lot of time at your desk. Here are some moves to help relieve stress and tension through that area:
Shoulder shrugs are simple, just lift your shoulders to your ears and relax. Do this 10 times.
Neck stretching, put your ear to your shoulder and hold for three seconds, repeat on the other side.
Chin dips are going to stretch out the back of your neck. Tuck your chin to your chest and hold for five seconds. Look all the way up and then hold that for another five seconds.
These moves should help your neck release tension and can also help reduce any tension headaches you might get.
Wrists
It is quite common to have repeat motion injuries to your wrist if you type a lot. Here are some quick and easy stretches to help alleviate pain and prevent greater injuries:
Pray Stretch helps relieve pressure on your Carpal Tunnel. Place your hands together, palms facing each other as though you are praying. Lower your wrists until you feel the stretch and then hold for three to five seconds.
Wrist Flexing and Extending stretches your wrist, and it also increases blood flow. Use one hand to pull your other hand back until a stretch is felt and hold for five seconds. Then go the other way and push your hand down, just until a stretch is felt. Hold for an additions five seconds, and then repeat on your other hand.
Increasing blood flow to your extremities is important to health, and the stretch reduces the risk of repetitive motion issues.
Taking a break to perform these simple and easy exercises can improve your well-being and reduce the health problems commonly associated with sitting at a desk. If you can, aim to run through this quick routine once an hour; this can prevent stress and tension buildup over the day.