Desk Detox: Simple 'Deskercises' to Combat Sitting Disease at Work

19. The Side Bend Stretch (Lateral Wake-Up Call)

Most desk movements are front-to-back, but your sides need love too. Sit or stand tall, feet grounded. Raise your right arm overhead and slowly lean to the left, keeping your spine long and core engaged. Feel the stretch along your right side. Hold for 15–20 seconds, breathing deeply. Return to center, then switch sides. This move helps lengthen compressed side-body muscles, opens up the ribs for better breathing, and provides a gentle spinal reset. It’s especially great for midday stiffness or when you feel boxed in by your screen. Bonus: it looks like you’re just thinking hard.

20. The Tension Tamer Temple Press (Neck & Head Relief)

Combat tension headaches with this subtle isometric move. Sit tall and place your fingertips on your temples. Gently press your head into your hands for 5–10 seconds while resisting the movement with your fingers. Breathe steadily. Release and repeat 3–5 times. This activates and relaxes the muscles around your head and jaw, easing tightness from clenching, screen glare, or deadline stress. Follow with gentle jaw wiggles or a slow neck roll. It’s quiet, powerful, and headache-preventative—perfect for back-to-back Zoom days.