WORK FROM HOME! Who's tired of working from home in Canton MI? I'm sure after almost an entire year of virtual school, Zoom sessions, meetings and online celebrations, pretty much everyone is tired of sitting at the desk. And it’s likely that with the increase in screen time, our bodies have been the ones to pay the price; new aches and pains and stiffness in muscles you probably didn't even know you had! So, what can you do about it?

Stretch It Out in Canton MI

There are a few ways you can get that body moving right at your desk. Yes, it goes without saying that you might feel silly doing some of these moves but that's what makes it fun! And hopefully your self-care will inspire your coworkers around you.

The body needs to move to stay healthy. I know when I was stuck behind the desk it did a number on my joints. I tried standing at my desk for a while, but then my feet would bother me. Sitting on a workout ball instead of in a chair helped for a bit until my back needed more support. I found the golden ticket was to STRETCH IT OUT. So here are a few stretches you can try while at the desk to help hold you over until you can get back in here to see one of our great chiropractors or massage therapists.

1. Forearms:
   • Start by extending both arms straight out in front of you.
   • Turn the palm of one hand down so fingers are pointing towards the floor.
   • Take other hand and gently pull those fingers back towards your body. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
   • Switch and do the same on your other arm.
2. Hip Flexors - Lets STAND UP:
   • Stand up and face your chair (or grab another chair if your desk chair is on wheels).
   • Place one foot on the chair (make sure to keep your core engaged!)
   • Lean forward until you feel the stretch in the front of your hips; hold for 30 seconds then switch legs.
3. Chest:
   • Sit up in your seat and move a little closer to its edge. Take your arms behind your back and grab the back of your chair.
   • Keep arms straight and slowly move hands upward until you start to feel a stretch in your chest. Or you can just push your chest a little more to feel the stretch.
   • Hold stretch for 20-30 seconds.
4. Neck:
   • Take your left hand and reach over your head, placing your hand on your right temple.
   • Bend you head towards your left shoulder and use your hand to gently guide it a little further. Hold for 15-20 seconds.
   • Switch and do the same on the opposite side.
5. Back (Cat-Cow pose):
   • Scoot to the edge of your chair and place your hands on your knees.
   • Take a deep breath in and hinge forward slightly; your chest should be out just a little bit.
   • On the exhale, round your spine like a cat and tuck your chin in. Do this 5-8 times.

Adding these simple moves into your everyday routine can help work out some of those kinks in your body that accumulate from being stuck at a desk. What other moves do you do to help break up sitting all day?