1. Seated spinal rotation
· While seated, cross your arms over your chest.
· Grab your shoulders.
· Rotate your upper body from the waist, turning gently from left to right as far as you can.
· You should feel a tension on both side of your lower back as it stretches out.
2. Posterior shoulder stretch
· Hold one arm across your body.
· Pull your elbow into your chest.
· You should feel your shoulder gently stretching.
3. Shoulder shrugs
· Gently lift your shoulders.
· Let them slowly fall.
· You should feel tension being released as your shoulders drop.
4. Sitting back extensions
· Sit straight with your feet together.
· Put the palms of your hands into the small of your back.
· Lean back over your hands, feeling your lower back stretch out.
5. Neck rotations
· Keep your head upright.
· Gently turn your head from side to side.
· As you turn your head, try to move it past your shoulder.
· You should feel the muscles on the outside of your neck gradually stretching.
6. Upper shoulder and neck stretch
· Sit on one hand.
· Tilt your head away from the hand you’re sitting on.
· Tilt your head slightly forward, towards your shoulder.
· You should feel the muscles in your neck and shoulder being stretched.
· Change sides, and repeat.
7. Shoulder extension – one
· Stand up and stretch your arms out behind you.
· Clasp your hands together and gently lift your arms.
· You should feel the pressure in your shoulders ease off.
8. Shoulder extension – two
· Hold both arms above your head.
· Link your hands with your palms facing upwards.
· Reach as high as possible.
· You should feel your shoulders stretching.
Also – are you sitting comfortably?
Stretching at your desk can work wonders, but it’s even more important to be set up comfortably at your desk. This can prevent back pain among other problems. Here’s a handy reminder.
· Keep your chair close to your desk.
· Adjust the height and make sure your feet are fully on the floor.
· The top of your computer screen should be level with your eyes, and about an arms-length away from you.
Perfect your pose
1. Your hips should be above your knee. 2. Sit right back in your seat, so your whole back is supported. 3. The natural curve of your lower back should fit against the curve of the back rest. 4. The back rest should be slightly reclined (10–15 degrees). 5. Relax your shoulders, and keep your elbows at 90 degrees, just above the desk.
BUPA UK 2017