Health
Stay Fit at the Office
What do you do when you’re trapped in the office from 9 to 5 but you still want to feel active? We talked to a chiropractor to get tips for moving those muscles, no matter where you work.
By Jessica Nunly
May 2014
Dr. David Mullin, DC at Twin Oaks Chiropractic and Acupuncture, says it’s important to get up and move during the workday because slouching over a desk can create pinched nerves and reduce blood flow to the brain. Follow Dr. Mullin’s tips for increasing productivity at work by staying active.
Drink lots of water, and take a stroll around the workplace every hour or so to wake up and refocus for the hour ahead.
Do the YWTT stretch, sung to the tune of “YMCA,” to get your blood moving. Stand up, hold your arms in a “Y” shape and stretch your whole body to the ceiling. Bend your arms at the elbows, bring them down to your sides and push your shoulder blades together to form a “W” shape. Next, hold your arms straight out to the sides to form a “T” shape. Then tuck your hands beneath your underarms like chicken wings.
Roll your shoulders and head around periodically to loosen up the strained muscles and increase blood flow. Decompress your nerves by rolling your shoulders forward, then backward, and up and down. Stretch your head side to side and roll it in a circle.
Help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by stretching your wrists against your desk. Gently push against the edge of the desk with your fingers, so your wrist moves up, down and side-to-side. Finish by rolling your wrist around in a circle.
Remember to breathe. More oxygen to your brain means clearer thoughts and better work.
Bonus: Find desk chair yoga videos on YouTube for more stretching ideas. Also, use apps that remind you at regular intervals to stretch or take a walking break.
