There’s a tendency to lean forward in the seat while working at a computer. The chin may jut out, the shoulders round forward, and the chest cave in. This stretch can help open up these areas.
- Stand up with your feet hip distance apart and parallel to one another.
- Place your hands on your lower back, with the heels of your palms resting on your kidneys and your fingers pointed down (as if your hands were in your pants’ back pockets).
- Roll your shoulders back and down, and squeeze your elbows towards each other behind your back.
- Push down into the floor with your feet to make yourself tall, bringing your belly button in and up as you take a deep breath in.
- Imagine a line extending straight out from your heart. Trace that line up the wall in front of you, and show our breastbone to the ceiling.
- Watch your neck! Be careful not to tilt your head way back. The curve of your neck should be a natural continuation of the curve in your spine.
- Breathe slowly into the sides of your ribcage for at least one minute. Enjoy the feel of your chest and shoulders opening up.
- Bring your head back up slowly. It’s normal to feel a bit light-headed coming out of this stretch. Take a moment to continue breathing slowly. Any light-headedness should pass after a breath or two.
Other Articles in this issue:
This is Your Health on Sitting
Your Body on Yoga: The Psoas
Health Tip: Hydration
Philosophy Byte: Namasté
Eat Well: Apple Muffins
Balance At Work News