• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Geraldine Talks

  • HOME
  • LIFESTYLE
    • TRAVEL
    • FOOD
    • GEEK
    • BEAUTY
  • SELF CARE
    • DENTAL HYGIENE
  • BLOG LIFE
    • BLOGMAS
    • COLLABORATIONS
    • PRINTABLES
  • PRODUCT REVIEWS
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
You are here: Home / SELF CARE / 5 Quick Stretches to Give Your Body a Break
SELF CARE

5 Quick Stretches to Give Your Body a Break

November 6, 2018

I don’t know about you, but I spend most of every day sitting. I sit for the most part at work, and when I get home, I’m on my laptop – and I’m sitting.

Studies show there are health risks involved (this goes for people of ALL ages) with prolonged sitting.

  • Altered posture
  • Muscle tension
  • Increased risk of obesity
  • Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes
  • Decreased cardiovascular health
  • Altered and compressed digestion

(To read more, here are the sources I used: athletico.com and sahealth.sa.gov)

 

According to a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, we would burn 30% more calories if we stood up rather than sat down.

I try to take this seriously and incorporate a few things I could do to get on my feet and take a break from sitting all the time. Call me quirky, but after every meal, I try to kneel in front of the table where I use my laptop. When my knees get tired, I stand. It’s really awkward doing this so I only really stand if I’m watching Netflix or something! But either way, I usually do this for a good half hour to one hour before I actually sit properly because I do believe that sitting down compresses the abdominal cavity and thus slow my digestion. One day, I’d love to have a sit / stand desk so I won’t look as weird with my kneeling / standing routine… hopefully.

In addition, I try to take breaks every hour or two to do some stretches so I don’t become a stiff, aching board. The very goal of this post is to show you the 5 stretches I do all / most of the time to give my body a break. I feel that it helps stretch different parts of my body so I feel quite refreshed after doing them.

Hopefully you’ll find it works for you or otherwise motivate you to have your own set of stretches / exercises to do. If you don’t already have a regimen, do give these a try, and feel free to change up the reps as you see fit!!

 

 

5 Quick Stretches (featuring my drawings, oh boy)

1. Neck stretches – “Side Rotation”

 

Keep your back straight and roll your head over to one side until you feel a tugging or slight stretching on your neck and shoulders.

I usually do this for about 15 seconds each on each side, and 2 reps.

 

2. Shoulder shrugs & rotations

Shoulder Shrugs - forward
Shoulder Shrugs - front
Shoulder Shrugs - backward

Keep your back straight and the only thing you’re really moving are your shoulders.

10x forward / 10x backward

 

3. Wrist rolls

5x clockwise / 5x counterclockwise = 1 rep. I do this for 2 reps.

 

4. Back stretches – “Cat-Cow Pose”

cat cow - cow
cat cow - cat

This one requires you to be on all fours. Spread legs so that they’re shoulder length apart. First arch your back upward (to the ceiling) when inhaling, then curve your back down the other way, pointing your head up to the sky / ceiling whilst exhaling (like a cat). I do this for 10 times.

 

5. Touch Your Toes

These drawings are getting botched as you read further... my apologies!
These drawings are getting botched as you read further… my apologies!
Touch Your Toes - together

This requires you to stand up. Spread your legs apart, and touch each side, holding for 20 seconds each. Then, put your feet together, bend down, and hold for another 20 seconds.

 

42

20 Minute Blog Challenge »
« Story of My Tea Review

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • nail productsTreating Myself
  • Birth Control Delivery – Better Access To Care
  • beauty-routines-from-around-the-worldBeauty Routines From Around The World
  • How To Be Organized Using the KonMari Method

Comments

  1. Abby says

    November 6, 2018 at 11:04 am

    I can NOT believe you drew all of these!! Geraldine this is seriously AMAZING!! Holy crap! And obviously SO HELPFUL. BUT OMG I CANNOT GET OVER THIS!!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 11:09 am

      OH STOP IT YOU haha you’re making me blush!! 😊 I’m TERRIBLE at explaining so I figured drawings would help!! xx

      Reply
  2. colleendenise says

    November 6, 2018 at 11:05 am

    I need to start using these!! I hurt my back somehow and I’ve been looking for stretches since Friday!! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 11:12 am

      Aww this is perfect, I’m glad I could help Colleen!! My back hurts all the time and these tend to help! 😘

      Reply
  3. Jenna says

    November 6, 2018 at 11:45 am

    Good job. As a physical therapist I talk to people about good postures and the dangers of being sedentary, all day long. These are good reminders to get up and get moving. Another good tip, if you do end up sitting for most of your day, is to use a good lumbar support roll. This will help keep your back, neck, and shoulders all in good posture.

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 12:08 pm

      It’s SO important and yet we forget as we are doing stuff on the desk or computer because we’re so engrossed in it! Thank you for that tip Jenna!!

      Reply
  4. Marie says

    November 6, 2018 at 11:51 am

    Fantastic drawings Geraldine! Stretching is good and so is walking – 30 minutes every day is the recommendation. Don’t worry about looking “weird” because you will be the healthy one in the end 🙂

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 12:10 pm

      Yes! If you can, walking is great!! I really fall short in that department but I try to stretch! Thank you so much Marie (;

      Reply
  5. Quirky Writes says

    November 6, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    I do the shoulder rotation and neck stretches. I got to try the cat-cow pose. I think it will give a great stretch to the spine. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 12:11 pm

      I’m glad you got to give it a try! I feel much looser when I do them. Thank you so much for reading! 😊

      Reply
  6. Lavrax says

    November 6, 2018 at 12:41 pm

    GIRL these drawings are amazing!! i defo need some of these stretches in my life, I’ve been sitting on a chair in front of my laptop for like 10 hours all week!!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      Thanks so much Lav!! I am so happy you ladies like it, it makes the frustrations of drawing them worth it!! Haha and I KNOW RIGHT?? I think we all do 🤣 we gotta have these reminders every now and then!

      Reply
  7. Savannah says

    November 6, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    Wow, these are great reminders and your art work is fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 4:14 pm

      Thank you Savannah!! I really appreciate it 😊

      Reply
  8. Chloe Chats says

    November 6, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    I love this post, your sketches are amazing! You should do moreee for your blog! This is a great post though, I’m at a desk all day every day and I should definitely do more stretches, I barely do any.. I get so engrossed in what I’m doing I end up sitting down for like 4 hours without moving which is really bad. And blogging of course I’m always at my laptop so that’s more sitting still at my laptop! I do randomly get up and stretch occasionally though, you know when you do such a good stretch and you make a noise? ahaha, yeah so everyone just looks at me weirdly when I do that!

    Chloe xx
    http://www.chloechats.com

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      Thank you so much Chloe!! I cant agree more, I feel we all get too engrossed with our work! I “crack” my back and my other limbs too and some people stare but I LOVE IT!

      Reply
  9. Rosie Culture says

    November 6, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    This is soooo great! I find myself needing to stretch so much more than I used to (am I getting old?!) These will definitely come in handy.

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 5:05 pm

      I’m feeling that way as time goes on too. You’re not alone lol! I’m glad I could help! 😄

      Reply
  10. Katie says

    November 6, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    I just did all of these and honestly feel so much better already! I try to fit some yoga in each day which helps, but definitely doesn’t happen when I’m busy, so these stretches will come in very handy! we’re talking about getting standing desks at work which would be awesome. I really loved this post, you should be very proud of yourself!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 6, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      I’m glad it really helps you! 😍 It’s hard to remember to take a break but it helps after doing this. That would be awesome, I really want one of those desks 🤩

      Reply
  11. Carly says

    November 7, 2018 at 10:25 am

    This is such a good post! As a sufferer of chronic back pain I totally agree with stretching as often as you can! I work in an offiice so try to move about as much as possible but I will try standing more often.

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 7, 2018 at 11:52 am

      Thank you Carly!! I have scoliosis and I always feel some sort of back pain so I feel you girl. I’m glad you found it helpful! 💚

      Reply
  12. DCPR. says

    November 7, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    From the comments I read that you drew the pictures which is awesome. Besides that I will be using these in the office, luckily I have an office in which I can’t be seen by others so I can do these without looking weird!

    Thank you for the tips!
    DCPR. / http://www.mystoryofi.com

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 7, 2018 at 12:17 pm

      I did, thank you very much! HAHA it definitely helps that you have an office space all to yourself! Thank you for reading 😊

      Reply
  13. Debby says

    November 7, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    Hi Geraldine… The drawings are amazing ❤the hands surely look fit, I really can’t believe you drew this yourself 😀. Thanks for the tips love 👍👍
    I know how lazy I can be sometimes but I’ll try this at home❤

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 7, 2018 at 3:19 pm

      Thank you Debby! I went a little crazy with drawing the hands, I’m sure you can tell, as the others don’t look as great! 🙈🙈 I’m glad it could help you out xx

      Reply
  14. joy says

    November 7, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    i do those neck rotations constantly. people in public always give me a weird look lol! but i feel better b/c of them. thanks for the rest of the suggestions. pinned and will be trying them out!

    Joy at The Joyous Living

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 7, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      I know right, people don’t know what they’re missing! Thank you so much for pinning it and for reading! ☺💕

      Reply
  15. Lisa says

    November 8, 2018 at 3:09 am

    Great post!! I have seen so many people get those standing desks. Maybe I need to invest as well! While part of my job includes exercise (I coach softball at a college) there are days when we have more office work, like today, and I spend most of the time sitting! Thank you for the helpful stretches!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 8, 2018 at 8:59 am

      I think they are so wonderful, and I especially love those that can turn into a sitting desk at the same time! It’s good that your work involves some sort of standing and physical activity 😄 I’m glad this could help!

      Reply
  16. Hanna Rose says

    November 8, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    Gosh, your drawings are so cute Geraldine!
    I definitely find that I need to move around a little bit quite often as I tend to get really stiff after sitting down for too long in one position.
    It’s also a good idea to give our eyes a rest from looking at a computer, tv or phone screen for ages, so this little routine works triple self-care duties for our eyes, mind and body all at once!
    I like how simple these little manoeuvres are – definitely stuff almost anyone can do. Thanks for sharing these with us!
    Hanna | missbeautysaver.com

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 8, 2018 at 11:39 pm

      Thank you so much Hanna!! It took me a few days but I find it worth it if you are able to follow along! I definitely agree. It forces us to step away from the screens for even a few minutes and helps loosen our muscles!! I am glad you like them 💓😊

      Reply
  17. Imogen Chloe says

    November 8, 2018 at 4:42 pm

    This is such a good post, I’m forever sat at a desk typing so my shoulders and back take the strain a lot! Thanks for this! x

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 8, 2018 at 11:37 pm

      I feel the same way, I am glad you found it helpful! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Lauren says

    November 9, 2018 at 7:39 am

    I always find myself needing to stretch my back out. I work in retail so always lifting and then at home I am hunched over my laptop or writing. I definitely feel a difference after stretching. Thank you for sharing some other stretches I didn’t think to do! So useful!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 9, 2018 at 11:34 am

      I’m glad you found it useful!! I forget all the time too so I am hoping I can remember since I wrote it! 😄 It’s an amazing feeling when you stretch out your back!

      Reply
  19. Chelsea says

    November 9, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    Great post – and your drawings were awesome! I can never get hands right, haha!
    I’m definitely going to be trying these out; I spend far too much time on the computer and often forget to get up and stretch – these will definitely help me considerably!
    Loved this!
    Chelsea | https://twoofamind.com

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 9, 2018 at 11:13 pm

      Thank you so much Chelsea!! It took me frickin’ forever, haha!! I do too, that’s why I’m hoping this will help remind me as well! LOL 😘 thank yoouuu!

      Reply
  20. Peanuts and Cacahuetes says

    November 9, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    Your sketches are amazing!!!! I knew this post would be great!! These are really good stretching exercises 🙂
    I do them sometimes after dancing or gym. It makes me feel so much more relaxed!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      November 9, 2018 at 11:19 pm

      Thank you so much lovely!! I am glad you think so 😊 They are very quick and easy to do! I’m only hoping to do them more often myself lol!

      Reply
  21. Jordan says

    December 20, 2018 at 8:08 pm

    You have no idea how helpful this is! I really need to get in the habit of stretching. And the fact that you drew these is incredible!

    Reply
    • Geraldine says

      December 21, 2018 at 12:00 am

      I’m so glad you found this helpful Jordan! It helps to have reminders like these 🙂 thank you so much!!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Geraldine

Geraldine

Hi! My name is Geraldine. I love writing about a bunch of different things, hence the Lifestyle blog. If I'm not busy blogging, I'm probably working, sleeping or playing video games!

LET’S CONNECT

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

NEVER MISS A POST!

Buy me a coffeeBuy me a coffee

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER

My Tweets
Web Hosting

ARCHIVES

CATEGORIES

  • ART
  • BEAUTY
  • BLOG LIFE
  • BLOGMAS
  • COLLABORATIONS
  • DENTAL HYGIENE
  • FOOD
  • GEEK
  • LIFESTYLE
  • PRINTABLES
  • PRODUCT REVIEWS
  • SELF CARE
  • TRAVEL
  • UNCATEGORIZED

POPULAR POSTS

New Goals

Anime Food vs. Reality

The Boyfriend Tag

So maybe this is Influenster's early Christmas gif So maybe this is Influenster's early Christmas gift to me ?🤣 I got to try this sakura pink metallic color on my hair and as I expected, the color didn't show up as it showed on the box. I said in the survey I have black hair and still some remnants of blonde in my hair, but not much? Still, somehow I got chosen for this campaign 🤣 it DID however turn my roots a nice reddish brown color? The ends where my hair was blonde are purplish pink. I really wish I was back to full blonde so I could try this out! It would look soo pretty. Regardless, even though it didn't work as I suspected, I still appreciate the color tinting 🤭💖 TLDR: it works! But you need fairly light hair for it to work. Even the box says so. 🤣🙈
.
.
.
.
#trygot2bmetallics #contest #complimentary @got2b @Influenster #hairdye #pinkhairdye #freeproduct #productreview
Hello! 🥰 Long time no see eh? I'm back in schoo Hello! 🥰 Long time no see eh? I'm back in school after a week break for Thanksgiving. I actually got a decent picture of myself during Thanksgiving but forgot to post it hehe 😆 we spent Wednesday night at my cousin's new house for Thanksgiving and then had more Thanksgiving food during Thanksgiving. 🤣 I'm so stuffed but I miss the blueberry pies and pecan pies! They went too fast 😭😭 Also, meet Chewy, my cousin's toy poodle 🥺 isn't he cute? He doesn't wriggle around when you hold him which is the sweetest thing 😍😆
.
.
.
.
#iactuallylookdecent #thanksgivingdinner #toypoodle #cutedog #doggo
I was kindly given a Care Package Voxbox from @inf I was kindly given a Care Package Voxbox from @influenster because they know I'm gonna be dying now that school has started back up again. 🤪🤪🤣 I am actually running out of toner so I am so freaking glad part of this care package involved the @humphreyswitchhazel toner! I've never tried anything with witch hazel but it's something I'm eager to try. 
.
I don't do much for my hair either so I think Influenster knew I needed to treat my hair with more love. When I have free time this weekend I'll be trying the @garnierusa hair mask and let y'all know what I think! It kinda makes me nervous because my hair gets so greasy but idk maybe that doesn't affect that?? 😆 And of course, super grateful for the @advilrelief because I can never get enough pills in me to treat my headaches cause it's the time for me to apply to universities...🙃 Can you believe it?! I'm graduating community college (again) in may 2021 and will be transferring soon for my bachelor's!! So crazy!🙈
.
.
.
.
#AdvilDualAction #complimentary #NourishHungryHair #complimentary #DiscoverHumphreys #contest #complimentary #influenster #influencer #voxbox #carepackage #influenstervoxbox #hairmask #facialtoner #universitylife
I've been dead in this account and I know it's bad I've been dead in this account and I know it's bad, I honestly sometimes feel like deleting this account but I think of why I started this in the first place and it makes me sad I've kinda left it... But I like to say I'm just moving on to different goals and that's okay! I still don't know what I'll do with this account, maybe I'll leave it open and just post occasional (really it's rarely... honestly, who am I kidding 😂) photos if I'm somewhere exciting and new! Or flower pics 😂 
.
.
.
.
#purpleflower #hydrangeas #hydrangeaflower #flower #plantlife #flowerpower #naturepic #naturephotography #flowerphoto #flowerphotography
It's been a while since I made a post on here but It's been a while since I made a post on here but I actually bought stuff that I thought was worth mentioning 😂 I splurged a bit and treated myself to a few things and that's also what my new blog post is about! Check the link in my bio to read the post! ❤️
.
.
.
.
#blogpost #newblogpost #treatyourself #nailstrips #ohora #vanitytable #splurging #selfcare #tlc #blog #lifestyleblog #bloggershare #usblogger #njblogger #femaleblogger
Follow on Instagram
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

LATEST POSTS

Asian Market Grocery Haul + Mooncakes

LIFESTYLE

nail products

Treating Myself

LIFESTYLE

Categories

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COOKIE POLICY
  • AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

©GERALDINE TALKS

THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS
This site uses cookies: Find out more.