Personal Best Health Wellness - Tension Relief

It's a sunny summer day and you're stuck inside working. What's worse, your muscles are stiff and sore from the static routine of your job. Quick, take a mini-body break . . .

2-Minute Tension Relief
With these quick, simple exercises you can ease the tension and stiffness in your upper back and neck. Make it a habit.

Torso Rotation
Sitting on a chair with your feet apart and flat on the floor, loosely clasp your hands behind your head with elbows out. Keeping your back straight, rotate your torso until your right elbow points toward the ceiling and your left elbow rests on the inside of your right knee, as shown. Breathe deeply and gradually rotate further as you hold the stretch for at least 15 seconds. Relax and repeat with the other side.

Shoulder Stretch
You can do this from a sitting or standing position - raise your arms, drop your right hand behind your left shoulder, and take hold of your right elbow with your left hand. Gently pull your right elbow toward the back of your head and feel the stretch in your upper arm, shoulders and side. Hold the stretch for at least 15 seconds. Relax, and repeat on the other side.