Stressed during exam season: Three exercises to relax your shoulders
You just finished another long day of studying for an exam or working on a project. And when you finally get up, you notice how stiff you are. Your back hurts from sitting hunched over, and your shoulders are tight from stress
To avoid that feeling, I prepared three easy movements for your shoulders that allow you to loosen up. Please don’t do anything that feels uncomfortable or hurts. All exercises can be repeated as often as you want.
Follow-Along Shoulder Guide
The exercises can be done standing or sitting. Please place your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart on the floor. Adjust your back to be straight and long. Now concentrate on big, deep breaths.
- Exercise: Lift your shoulders to your ears when you inhale, and let them sink back and down when you exhale. When you are done, circle your shoulders in the other direction before you stop.
- Exercise: Inhale and bring your shoulders up as high as possible. Then tighten your shoulders as much as you can. With the exhale, let your shoulders drop.
- Exercise: Put your fingertips on your shoulders and start to circle both arms. Start very small and get bigger and bigger until you reach your full mobility. Then let your arms drop.
If you like, you can loosen up your shoulders, your upper body, arms and hands after the exercises. Find movements that feel comfortable for you.
I hope you enjoyed the exercises and that they helped you relax.
