Does sitting at your desk for several hours a day make you feel stiff and uncomfortable? Do you want to improve your posture? Try incorporating some simple yet effective stretches throughout your workday to help ease stiffness and aches.

Neck stretch

Begin by sitting up straight with both feet on the ground. Tilt your head gently to the right side bringing your ear toward your shoulder. Hold it there for a few seconds and then repeat it again on the other side. Also, gently you can roll your head in a circle, not pushing your neck beyond its natural range of motion. For more of a stretch, you can place your opposite hand on your head and gently apply pressure for an added stretch.

Shoulder stretch

Reach your left arm across your chest and use your right hand to gently push your left elbow towards your body. Hold for a few seconds and then switch sides. You can also roll your shoulders forward and backward or shrug them up and down to release tension.

Wrist & hand stretch

Stretch your fingers out wide, then curl them into a fist and repeat a few times. Rotate your wrists in circles to relieve any stiffness or discomfort. For an added stretch, hold your hand out with your fingers pointing down, and use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back towards your wrist.

Seated twist

Sit up straight and place your right hand on your left knee. Twist your upper body to the left, using your left hand to hold onto the back of your chair for support. Hold for a few seconds and then repeat on the other side.

Hamstring stretch

While sitting in your chair, extend your right leg out straight and flex your foot. Reach your hands towards your toes and hold for a few seconds. Then switch sides and repeat.

Great article found on In Shape.