Sitting at your desk for long periods of time can cause havoc with your back and legs. It is one of the leading causes of back problems here in the UK and one of the most common issues that Occupational Health Gloucester company https://www.insightoccupationalhealth.co.uk/ deal with. There are a number of things that you can do to help to reduce problems with your back, including using an ergonomic chair and ensuring your desk is set up so that you are sitting at the best position for you to be using a computer keyboard and screen. One of the best things to do is ensure that you are regularly moving around and stretching at your desk. With that in mind, here are some simple yoga-based exercises that you can do whilst sat at your computer.
- Spinal twists
This exercise helps to keep your spine supple and moving correctly and to help prevent stiffness and muscle problems to set in. You can complete these whilst sat at your desk. You simply, gently twist your upper body to one side and then the other. This should be a slow movement to ensure that you don’t jar your back.
- Neck Rolls
Neck rolls work exactly the same as the spinal twists but focus on the neck area. You can move you head from one side to the other or roll your head from one side to the other in two semi-circle movements. You should not roll your head in one complete circle movement. The neck area is one place that is susceptible to strain from sitting at a desk for long periods of time looking at a computer screen.
- Cat – cow stretch
This yoga move is usually completed whilst kneeling on all fours, but it can be done sitting in a chair. You alternate from arching your back and rounding your back. This movement helps to keep your back joints moving and can help with the pressure that is caused on your lower back from sitting for long periods of time during the day.
- Wrist stretches
The other area of the body that takes a lot of pressure when working at a computer is that of your wrists. By taking regular time out from typing and stretching your arms and wrist you can help to prevent more serious wrist issues. You should stretch your wrist by pushing on hand against the other hand positioning your hand pointing downwards and then up.
