Feature Image by Connor Williams
If you commute to work in a busy, metropolitan city, chances are, you spend several hours per week (or even per day) sitting in traffic.
Not only that, those of us with desk jobs probably spend more time sitting than we’d like. No matter how much you do to keep yourself busy during a long drive (podcasts, anyone?), nothing can prevent the aches and pains that come with commuting…or so we thought.
We’ve rounded up five stretches you can do while sitting in traffic to relieve some of the discomfort.
Neck relief
Keep your eyes on the road and sit up straight. Tilt your head first to the right, towards your shoulder, and hold for about ten seconds. Then repeat on the left. Do this five times on each side. After, tuck your chin towards your chest and hold for about five seconds. Repeat five times.
Shoulder stretch
Keep your arms relaxed while holding your steering wheel, then slowly drop your shoulders and bring them back up. Repeat 10 times or whenever your shoulders or upper back are feeling sore.
Improve your posture
Sit up straight and roll your shoulders back to elongate your neck and straighten out your upper body. Take deep, controlled breaths for about 30 seconds.
Tone your tummy
While sitting up straight, tighten your abdominal muscles and try to make your belly button touch your spine. Hold for as long as you can and repeat. Not only will this help tone your abs, but it will also relieve lower back pain.
Arm stretches
Sit up straight with your back against the seat. Place your hands on opposite ends of the steering wheel and try to straighten your elbows as much as you can. Hold for five to 10 seconds, release, and repeat.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
