If you do a lot of work hunched over a computer or sitting at a desk, this sitting shoulder stretch may help release tension you aren’t aware is even there. Workers who do a lot of computer work tend to spend a lot of time in one position, forgetting to move around to loosen their muscles, which can cause tightness in the back, neck and shoulders. This stretch is easy to do, can be done while seated, and takes less than a minute to complete.

Start by sitting in your desk with both feet flat on the ground and your arms at your sides. Slowly raise your right hand above your head. Instead of reaching up to the point that your shoulder is out of the socket, try to relax your arm above your head so that your right shoulder blade drops down your back. Slowly breathe in and out several times. Then, slowly start to lean to the left to stretch the ribs underneath your arm. Breathe deeply to increase the space between each rib. After you have taken ten deep breaths in and out, slowly straighten up and drop your arm. Switch sides and repeat.

shoulder stretch