Try this 5-Minute Study Break Stretch
Cramming for an exam? Long hours of hunching over your textbooks, typing at your laptop, and staring at your screen can cause some very unpleasant tension and soreness in your shoulders, wrists, lower back, and hips.
Since your test isn’t going to take itself, sitting for hours at your desk is sometimes inevitable. The best way to counteract this soreness and tension is by taking frequent study breaks, giving your eyes a rest, and trying these study break stretches recommended by yoga teacher Calvin Corzine.
If you want free access to full yoga classes you can do at your desk, try Work Flow on Alo Moves. College students can access Alo Moves for only $5/month (and get the first month free).
1. Twist In a Chair
Sitting in your chair with your legs spread wide, reach your left arm down the inside of your left leg and reach your right arm up to the sky for a twist. Look up toward your top hand, then switch sides.
2. Pigeon Pose at a Desk
Stand in front of your desk and place your right leg on top of the desk. Bend your right leg and flex your right heel. Keep your spine long and walk your hands forward to fold and intensify the hip stretch. Switch sides.
3. Eagle Arm Stretch
Try this Eagle Arm Stretch seated or standing. Reach your arms forward and hug your shoulders with your right arm on top. Keep your arms crossed and press the backs of your hands or palms together. Switch sides.
4. Seated Neck Stretch
Sitting tall in your chair and moving slowly, drop your right ear to your right shoulder and gently pull down with your right hand. Switch sides.
5. Leg Lift Stretch In a Chair
Sitting tall in your chair, stretch your legs straight out in front of you. Lift one leg higher than the other and flex your lifted foot, pressing it away from you. Hold for five seconds, then switch sides.
Don’t forget your Alo Moves student discount — get a free month of yoga, Pilates, gym programs, meditations, and more, then it’s only $5/month until you graduate.