4 Ways to Soothe Sore Muscles From Sitting

Whether you’re working from home or at the office, sitting all day can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Sitting in a chair while staring at a computer screen can cause wear and tear on your neck, spine, and shoulders. Sitting also decreases circulation and causes your joints to stiffen up increasing your risk for both pain and injury. Here are 4 ways to soothe sore muscles from sitting too long.

Take Frequent Stretch Breaks

The more you move, the less likely you’ll experience pain and discomfort at the end of the day. Take frequent breaks throughout the day to stretch sore muscles and stiff joints from extensive sitting, ideally before you feel it. Get up and walk around whenever possible. Pull your shoulders back to open them up after slouching in a chair and open your arms wide to stretch your chest muscles. Lunges can be helpful for stretching your legs and hips.

Assemble An At-Home Recovery Area

Recovery is just as important after extensive sitting as it is after a tough workout. The pain and discomfort caused by sitting can negatively impact your quality of life, so consider creating a recovery area at home. Items like foam rollers, a soft mat for stretching, elastic athletic band, and yoga block are ideal at the end of the day to release body tension. In addition to these tools incorporate full-body stretches, massage, steam, Epsom salt baths, and weighted blanket into your self-care routine.

Try Topical CBD

Many turn to cannabis as a natural method of soothing both their mind and their body while they work. Hemp-derived CBD contains less than .03% THC, which means you can enjoy the benefits of marijuana without the high. With no worry of being high, there is no worry of decreased focus. CBD oil can be applied topically or taken by mouth, daily or as needed.

Upgrade To An Ergonomic Workspace

A few adjustments will make your workspace more ergonomic, which is both a proactive and reactive approach to pain. If possible, use a standing desk or sit on a balance ball some or all of the day. Don’t forget a riser for your laptop screen, an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, a foot riser, and a laptop pad. With just a few adjustments you can improve posture and decrease discomfort.

You may not be able to avoid sitting for the bulk of your workday, but you can take a proactive approach to pain with the tips above!