person stretchingHuman Resources suggests stretches to help prevent pain and strain from working at a computer.

Human Resources recommends workstation exercise

Taking regular breaks to stretch when sitting for long periods of time is a healthy workplace habit, Human Resources advises in a message sent Tuesday to UWindsor staff and faculty.

It shares examples of back, side, and leg stretches from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety that can help enhance wellbeing:

  1. Back and side stretch. Interlace your fingers and lift your arms over your head, keeping the elbows straight. Press your arms as far back as you can. To stretch your sides, slowly lean to the left and then to the right.
  2. Middle and upper back stretch. Hold your right arm with your left hand just above the elbow. Gently push your elbow toward your left shoulder. Hold the stretch for five seconds. Repeat with your left arm.
  3. Back curl. Grasp your shin. Lift your leg off the floor. Bend forward and reach your nose to your knee.
  4. Ankle flex and stretch. Hold one foot off the floor with your leg straight. Alternately flex and extend your ankle.
  5. Leg lift. Sit forward on the chair so that your back is not touching itss back. Place your feet flat on the floor. With a straight leg, lift one foot a few inches off the floor. Hold momentarily, and return your foot to the floor.
  6. Standing stretch. When standing, keep your knees slightly bent. Place your hands on your lower back and gently push your hands forward while leaning back slightly.
  7. Hip stretch. Sit with one leg across the other. Place your arm or elbow on the outside of the crossed leg. Gently apply pressure, while looking the opposite way.
Read the entire Wellness Tip of the Week.