5 minute 'Desk Detox' sequence

For many of us, we've set up our desk in the comfort of our own home, meaning many hours spent sitting down. Whilst this way of working can be practical, habits like poor posture and lack of movement can lead to unnecessary tension and stress in the body.

Our bodies are designed to be mobile, so sedentary lifestyles can cause physical imbalances. As well as taking regular breaks from desk work, a little movement can go a long way to recreate space in the body.

Here’s a short 5 minute ‘desk detox’ practice you can do anywhere, anytime. It focusses on a simple breathing technique, neck release exercises, wrist care and shoulder mobility.

i) Breathing

Sitting tall from the base of the spine, soften or close your eyes. Start by inhaling for a count of 4, exhaling for a count of 6. Continue for 4-5 rounds.

ii) Neck

Drop your right ear towards your right shoulder and hold for 3-4 breaths, repeat on the other side. Drop your chin towards your chest and roll the head side-to-side for about 3-4 breaths.

iii) Wrists

Reach your arms out in front of you and create fists. Start to make circles with your fists, letting the movement originate from the wrists rather than the arms. Do this for 3-4 breaths. To add on, interlace the fingers and hands and continue with circular motions. Clicking and cracking is often very normal!

iv) Shoulders

Release the arms alongside the body. Inhale shrug the shoulders to the ears, exhale release them down. Continue for 3-4 rounds. To add on, create circular motions with your shoulders (up, forward, down, back).