7 Stress Relief Stretches: Stress Management at Work

We spend most of our time in the workplace sitting for extended periods of time doing repetitive tasks. We also work closely with people who can be draining to us mentally and physically. All of this takes a toll on our bodies.

Below are 7 stress relief stretches that can bring you back to a feeling of calm while at work. When done correctly, these stretches can increase your productivity and comfort. Print them out and keep them handy at your desk. Use them often!

Things to remember before beginning :

Praying Stretch- Seated or Standing

1. Put both hands together in front of your heart applying a little pressure.

2. With the tips of the fingers of the right hand, bend the wrist of your left hand back and hold for a few seconds and repeat in reverse

Overhead Stretch- Seated or Standing

I often do this one while sitting at my desk. The key is to make sure you sit in a chair that will not tip over.

1. Sit with your back straight and off the backrest of your chair, or you can stand.

2. Lace your fingers together in front of your chest, arms straight, slowly bring your arms up (try keeping your arms straight if possible) and hold for about 5-10 seconds. Try to relax the muscles in your abdomen and back as you hold.

3. Slowly and deliberately bring your arms back slightly (keeping arms straight) back coming in contact with the back of the chair and hold 5-10 seconds.

Partial Cat Stretch- Seated or Standing

1. Lace your fingers together with palms out at shoulder height.

2. Slowly bring your shoulders forward while stretching your upper back like a cat.

Hanging Stretch- Standing

1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.

2. Slowly bend forward with your knees locked.

3. Let the weight of your body stretch your muscles.

Back Stretch- Seated

1. Relax your arms to your sides.

2. Shrug your shoulders, hold and relax.

3. Pull your shoulders back, hold and relax.

4. Roll your shoulders forward, hold and relax.

Over the Shoulder Peek- Seated or Standing

1. With your arms relaxed at your sides, look over your shoulder as far as you can twisting your back, hold and relax.

2. Repeat with the other shoulder.

Do the Twist- Seated

1. Begin with your left side, sitting sideways (only works with armless chairs) on the edge of your chair. Face the back of the chair with your knees and feet together flat on the floor.

2. Place your hands on the both sides of the back of your chair on top.

3. Inhale while straightening your spine.

4. Exhale and slowly twist toward the back of the chair, twist from the bottom of your spine while pushing with your left hand and pulling with your right hand.

5. Repeat several times and switch sides.

*Do the same exercise sitting in the middle of your chair rather than on the edge to stretch a different part of the spine.

Let me know what you think. Was this helpful?

Would you like to add any work related stress relief tips?

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