Working on laptops for too long? Read this!
What's the story
In the modern world of screens where our work and play are increasingly intertwined, we often overlook the health of our hands and wrists until we experience discomfort or pain.
By including hand stretching exercises in your daily routine, you can increase flexibility, prevent repetitive strain injuries, and promote overall digital wellness.
Here are five easy exercises to help keep your hands healthy.
Stretch one
Palm and finger stretch
Extend your arm out in front of you, palm facing up.
Using your other hand, gently pull back on the fingers towards your body until you feel a stretch in your palm and the underside of your arm.
Hold for 15 to 30 seconds, then release.
Repeat three times on each hand to release tension from long periods of typing or using a mouse.
Stretch two
Wrist flexor stretch
Raise one arm straight in front of you at shoulder level, palm facing down.
With your other hand, apply gentle pressure to bend the fingers down towards the floor until you feel a stretch along the inside of your forearm.
Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch to the other hand.
Repeat this exercise three times on each hand to maintain wrist flexibility and prevent stiffness.
Stretch three
Thumb extension stretch
Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing you, and bend your wrist downwards.
Grab your thumb with your other hand and pull it back away from your palm.
Maintain this position for 15 to 30 seconds, and then switch hands.
Do this three times on each hand to increase mobility in your thumbs and relieve pain caused by excessive texting or gaming.
Stretch four
Fist to fan stretch
Begin by forming a loose fist with both hands, ensuring your thumbs are positioned outside of each fist.
Then, gradually open your fingers as wide as you can, extending them out like a fan before bringing them back into the fist position.
Perform 10 repetitions of this exercise for each hand to promote blood circulation and flexibility in all finger joints.
Stretch five
Wrist rotation warm-up
Extend both arms forward at chest level with fists clenched gently (as if holding a small ball).
Keeping your arms relatively still, rotate your wrists 10 times clockwise then 10 times counterclockwise.
This warm-up exercise encourages blood flow within the wrists and hands, prepping them for more demanding computer work or digital device usage.