Throughout history, physical discomfort has been a driving force behind the creation of new technology intended to make life easier and less painful. Most of us now have electricity and indoor plumbing, and we no longer need to spend all of our time hunting and gathering in order to survive.
On the other hand, modern conveniences have also left many of us working jobs where weβre more or less chained to a desk for hours every day. So much time spent sitting can lead to discomfort of its own, so itβs important to take time to prioritize moving and stretching our bodies. If your 9 to 5 is leaving your legs feeling tight or your back feeling sore, try some of these stretches to find some relief.
Spinal Twists
Sitting in a chair all day can lead to tightness and pain throughout the entire body, but can especially affect your posture. If your back is feeling tight, try lying on the floor, lifting your right leg with a bent knee, then guiding your knee over to the left side. Hold for 5 breaths until you feel the stretch, then repeat on the other side.
Hip Stretches
For tight hips, sit with your legs parallel at 90 degrees and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your right leg and place your right ankle over your left knee to make a figure 4. You should feel a stretch in your right hip, though it shouldnβt be painful. Hold for 5 breaths and repeat on the other side.
Hamstring Stretches
Sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. Bend your knees so you can touch your chest to your thighs. Keeping your chest and thighs together, slowly straighten your legs until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
