Whether you are sitting in a vehicle, typing away behind a computer or rolling barrels down a warehouse, everyone benefits from a good stretch!

Stretching for just a few minutes can improve your day in a number of ways. First, stretching makes you happy! No Really, stretching itself tends to feel good because it activates your parasympathetic nervous system, meaning it increases blood flow to your muscles. This increase in blood flow also releases endorphins, which in return improves your overall mood. Additionally, stretching loosens and helps re-align the body. It improves muscle elasticity and leads to increased muscle control, flexibility and range of motion. In exchange, this reduces the chances of musculoskeletal disorders and soft tissue damage.

Stretching the Neck and Shoulders

• The shoulder shrug stretch relieves early symptoms of tension in shoulders and neck. Raise shoulders toward ears until there is slight tension then relax. Repeat two or three times.
• Head glide stretches relieve the chest, neck and shoulder muscles. Sit upright and glide head straight back. This stretch will give the feel of a double chin. Repeat five times, 20 seconds each.
• A shoulder roll will relax shoulder muscles. While inhaling, slowly raise shoulders toward ears and roll backward in a circular motion five times, then repeat in the opposite direction.

Stretching Hands and Forearms

• Forearm stretches relieve the wrists and arms. Place elbows on desk and palms together, lower wrists toward the desk and elbows will move outward as forearms stretch. Repeat three times, relaxing between each stretch.
• Wrist stretches loosen the wrists and relax the fingers. Bend wrist down and grasp with opposite hand to stretch down. Bend wrist up by pushing fingers back toward shoulder. Repeat three times.

Stretching the Back

• Side stretch: Interlace the fingers and lift arms over head, keeping elbows straight. Lean to left and right to stretch out sides.
• Upper back stretch: Hold right arm with left hand just above elbow, pushing elbow toward left shoulder. Repeat on opposite side.
• Standing back bends stretch hips and joints in the lower back. Place hands on small of back and slowly bend backward. Hold for three seconds and repeat five times.