Desk-friendly exercises that you can try

If you’re one of those people who hustle really hard, most of the time, your days are spent in front of the computer, finishing up piles of work and hitting tight deadlines. While there is absolutely nothing wrong about being committed at work, sometimes, your dynamism leads you to a sedentary lifestyle.

Having little to no physical activity–simply because you have no time for exercise–can actually be dangerous to your overall health and well-being. Sitting down for prolonged hours on a daily basis, for instance, can cause a decrease in skeletal muscle mass. The lack of physical activity can also trigger elevated cholesterol levels, cardiovascular problems, and obesity.

The issues do not end there. According to experts, those who do not engage in physical activities are more prone to anxiety and depression because there’s no way for your brain to release happy hormones like dopamine and endorphins.

So if your job requires you to sit the entire day, make the effort to move your body with some basic movements. Here are desk-friendly exercises that you can try in the office.

Wrist stretches. Eliminate the risk of getting repeatedly numb wrists and arms, or worse carpal tunnel syndrome, by stretching your wrists occasionally. If you’re encoding for long hours, take some short breaks just to relax your hands.
Neck rotation. Get your blood circulating properly with this simple yet effective neck movement. To properly do a neck rotation, use your head muscles to turn your head to one side until you feel a stretch. Then slowly turn your head in a clockwise direction and then reverse to the other side.
Arm circles. This exercise will strengthen your triceps. Put your arms to the sides and make small circular motions, slowly making the circles bigger. Do this for 20 times before you alternate to the opposite direction.
The chest opener. This is a common practice in yoga, which when done on your desk, can give you the energy that you need to finish your day. Simply put your hands at the back of your head with your elbows pointing forward. As you open your elbows to the side, lift your chest up, and feel that hard squeeze.
Seated leg raises. While seated in your office chair, keep your back straight with your shoulders down and chest out. Lift your right leg in front of you, making sure the knee is unfolded. Do the same to your left leg, and alternate movements for at least 20 times.