Neck and waist become stiff after sitting on a chair for hours.

Modern corporate culture and desk job have completely changed the lifestyle of today’s youth and working professionals. As soon as you reach office in the morning, sitting on a chair in front of the computer or laptop screen and starting work continuously for hours without moving from your place has become a common reality today. But our body has to suffer the consequences of sitting in the same posture for a long time in the form of serious physical problems. By evening, not only the neck and back muscles become severely stiff, but back pain, stiffness in the shoulders and pain in the spine become a part of everyday life. To get rid of this problem, people often resort to painkillers or different types of oils, but the problem does not get eradicated from its roots. In such a situation, some very simple movements of ‘Tai Chi’, an ancient Chinese martial art and an excellent art of meditation, can prove to be a lifesaver for you. Taking out just 5 minutes to do these easy Tai Chi exercises while sitting on your office chair or near your desk not only relieves body stiffness but also relieves mental stress. Let us know in detail in this article today which movements of Tai Chi can prove to be a boon for your health amidst the busyness of office.

What is Tai Chi and why is it best for people working at desk jobs?

Tai Chi is essentially an ancient Chinese martial art performed through slow, graceful and flowing body movements as well as deep breathing. This is also called ‘moving meditation’ i.e. meditating with movement. In today’s busy and stressful lifestyle where not everyone has time to go to the gym, Tai Chi is a perfect alternative that neither requires any heavy equipment nor an expensive gym subscription. You can easily do this in your office cubicle, near your desk or even in a small corner of the house. When you do these slow paced Tai Chi exercises after working continuously for hours, the blood circulation in the sluggish joints of the body starts increasing, the stiffness in the muscles starts melting and due to the improvement in oxygen levels, lethargy and fatigue disappear in a moment.

Do these three easy movements of Tai Chi in the office which will relieve neck and back pain.

If you do not have much time in the office, you can take out just 5 minutes and include these three special and very simple movements of Tai Chi in your routine:

1. ‘Arm Swing’ movement to relieve stiffness in shoulders and neck: Stand straight or sit on your chair with your back straight. Leave both your hands loose on either side of the body. Now slowly swing both your hands around the body while slowly rotating your upper torso to the right and left. During this, your eyes should remain calm and your breaths should be deep and long. This movement opens up the nerves in your shoulders, neck and upper back and instantly relieves the tension stuck there.

2. ‘Wave the Clouds’ movement for spine and waist flexibility: Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bring both your hands in front of the chest and make a wave-like motion by slowly moving one hand upward and the other downwards, like the waves of clouds. While doing this movement, slowly transfer your weight from one leg to the other. This exercise is considered very miraculous to relieve stiffness in your lower back, spine and hips.

3. ‘Deep Breathing & Arm Raise’ for mental peace and energy circulation: Place both your hands downwards in front of the body. Now, while taking a deep breath through the nose, slowly raise both your hands towards the head, and while exhaling slowly through the mouth, bring the hands back down. Repeat this action at least 5 to 10 times. It calms your nervous system, reduces office work pressure and anxiety and refreshes your mind.

Other miraculous physical and mental benefits of regular Tai Chi practice

Not only neck and back stiffness, but if you give a little space to Tai Chi in your daily lifestyle, you will see its countless health benefits. The slow and meditative movements of Tai Chi help relieve the strain on our eyes and brain caused by constantly working on computer screens. It improves the posture of the body, which prevents the problem of back bending due to wrong sitting. Apart from this, it strengthens the core strength and balance of the body, which also reduces the risk of bone weakness that occurs with aging. In terms of mental health, it increases your concentration, patience and ability to work manifold, making you feel more productive in less time.

Make your workplace healthy and energetic by changing small habits.

It is a bitter truth that we become so busy in our work that we start ignoring the basic needs and health of our body. But when pain and diseases start appearing in the body, then the same work becomes a burden for us. Therefore, it is better that you pay some attention to yourself. After every hour of work, get up from your chair and take a walk for just 2 to 3 minutes and make these easy stretching movements of Tai Chi your habit. This small and very effective habit of yours will not only keep you free from neck and back pain forever, but will also keep you energetic and fresh throughout the day. Give priority to your health, because only in a healthy body resides a successful and happy future.