Your computer.
If you've ever tried to answer an email or write a report or create a presentation without a computer or electronic device of some kind, you've discovered that transporting your thoughts to your electronic device from a distance doesn't really work.
If we could do that, I would be writing (or 'thinking') this from somewhere fun like the park or a spa or my imaginary condo in Maui. I'll keep working on that but, in the meantime, there are some things you can do to make computer work less painful, starting with these basic stretches. Your challenge? Set an alarm to go off every 30 minutes. Go through these stretches as many times as you can today:
Shoulder Stretch
Stretch the arms straight out and rotate the hands so that the palms face away from each other. Cross the arms so that the palms are pressed together, contract the abs and round the back, reaching away as you relax the head. Hold the stretch for 10-30 seconds.
Forearm Stretch
Seated or standing, stretch the right arm out and turn the hand down so that the fingers point towards the floor. Use the left hand to gently pull the fingers towards you, feeling a stretch in the forearm. Hold for 10-30 seconds and repeat on the other hand.
Neck Stretch
Sitting in your chair, reach down and grab the side of the chair with the right hand and gently pull while tilting your head to the left, feeling a stretch down the right side of the neck and shoulder. Hold for 10-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
You can find more ideas in Best Stretches for Office Workers and be sure to leave a comment if you have any favorite office stretches. How do you work the kinks out when you're at the computer all day?
These are some excellent stretches for throughout the day. One thing you might want to do is alternate those stretches with getting up from your desk and walking around the office or parking lot. This will help to increase the calories burned throughout the day as well. Good post!