Geez, this time of year I am sooooooo busy! I always swear to myself that I’ll eat well and exercise through all this but I wake up so tired I question which is most important; another 30 minutes of sleep, or exercising. I’ve come up with a new strategy that may not be optimal, but it does make a difference!
When my eyes start to get blurry from staring at the computer, I stop, push away from my desk and start stretching from my chair. I interlock my fingers together and push my arms straight out, palms facing out. Then I lift them straight up over my head, and with my fingers still intertwined, pull them behind my head to the back of my neck. Unlocking my hands and standing up, I put my arms down and intertwine them again, behind me, standing straight, pulling my shoulders back and slowly lifting my arms up to stretch the front of my chest. I hope you can get a visual. It really feels good and loosens up the neck and shoulders which usually get tight and give you a headache.
Now, to get the brain going again, sit in your chair and lean as far forward as you can, touching your toes. Hang your head and relax. This will help get your blood flowing.
The building I work in has a lot of stairs, so I make a point to use them any chance I get. It’s almost like a mini aerobic routine if you push yourself a little faster than what you are normally comfortable with. I like doing this when I’m off to get lunch so I can get some extra walking in too.
If you stick with this, you will be amazed at the decrease in head and neck aches you get, and the increase in productivity and stamina. I even challenge myself on how many stairs I can do without slowing down, trying to beat my last number.
There are lots of exercises you can do from your desk. Check out WebMD for more ideas. Hopefully most of you are getting ready to take some vacation and get a little break during Christmas. Hang in there folks, you are almost there!
