Working at your desk continuously can be tiring. Take a short break when you work at a stretch for a couple of hours. First get into the relax mode. Draw half a dozen deep breaths-inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Stretch your arms and legs and get ready for a quick exercise. It'll not only help you relax but also serve as a good break. Here are a set of exercises worth doing.Strengthen back and buttocks: Bend your knees slightly as you stand with hands on your sides. Tilt your upper body forward as you push back your arms and buttocks. Raise your head and shoulders. You'll feel this in your back down to your legs. Do this three times.
Relieve lower back pressure: Exhaling slowly lean forward, drop head towards knees and let hands drop on ankles. Stay like that for 15 seconds. While inhaling, unwind slowly, bringing up the head. Exhale while you stretch your arms towards the ceiling. Repeat five times.
Strengthen upper back and shoulder muscles: Lift hands to shoulders. Keep elbows down as you push shoulders back with your arms. Hold this position for 15 seconds and repeat thrice.
Relieve back tension and stretch hips: Stand with feet apart and knees bent. Then crouch your body as low as you can. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Repeat five times.
Stretch abdominal and chest muscles: In a standing or sitting position, place your palms on your lower back. Stretch back your upper body. Hold the position for 15 seconds and repeat thrice.
There you are fit and relaxed, ready for another few hours. But don't forget to follow up with these exercises.
Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
