7 Best Back and Neck Stretches For Moms That Work From Home
Managing a household and taking care of the kids, all while tackling a professional career from home can be incredibly demanding. However, your well-being should always be a priority and so should daily neck and back stretches for remote working moms. Being a mom who works from home is a juggling act that often leaves little time for self-care. While you’re managing all the things, it’s easy to overlook the importance of stretching and maintaining good posture. But neglecting these can lead to persistent back and neck pain, making your busy days even more challenging. The good news is that incorporating a few simple stretches into your daily routine can make a world of difference. In this blog post, we’ll share the 7 best back and neck stretches specifically designed for moms who work from home. These stretches are quick, easy, and effective, helping you stay pain-free and energized throughout the day. Let’s dive in! We’ve talked with two physical therapists who share the best back and neck stretches for remote working moms. So get ready for some relief on your stiff and achy remote working body. Why Work From Home Stretch Breaks Are Important While working from home is a great flexible option for moms, it can have some downsides. Most remote workers don’t have a suitable desk or chair at home for proper body alignment. On top of that, taking breaks when working from home is often forgotten about. This means your body likely hunches over your computer screen more often than compared to office workers–not to mention the toll it can take on your mental health. This is where quality stretching comes in. “Stretching can enhance your posture, boost productivity and focus, and help alleviate aches and pains,” says John Gallucci Jr., MS, ATC, PT, DPT, an award-winning physical therapist, author, and medical coordinator for Major League Soccer. Here are some reasons why taking stretch breaks while working from home is so important: 1. Reduces Neck Pain Sitting for long periods of time can cause neck discomfort. Stretch breaks help relieve tension in the neck muscles and prevent chronic pain. 2. Improves Posture Regular stretching can correct poor posture, helping you maintain a neutral position. This is crucial for preventing back and shoulder pain. 3. Eases Lower Back Pain Stretching the lower back muscles can alleviate pain and prevent chronic back pain. Incorporating back stretches into your daily routine is a good idea for long-term relief. 4. Enhances Blood Flow Stretching promotes blood flow throughout the entire body, which can improve overall health and reduce the risk of injuries from prolonged sitting. 5. Boosts Mental Health Taking a few minutes to stretch can clear your mind and reduce stress, leading to better mental health and productivity. Learn more about avoiding burnout here. 6. Prevents Upper Back Pain Stretching the upper body, including the shoulder blades and back of your head, can help prevent upper back pain and stiffness. 7. Increases Range of Motion Stretching improves flexibility and range of motion, making daily activities and physical activity easier and more comfortable. 8. Addresses Shoulder Pain Office workers often experience shoulder pain from poor ergonomics. Stretching can relieve tension in the shoulder blades and muscles, reducing discomfort. 9. Aids in Chronic Pain Management For those with chronic pain conditions, regular stretching can provide significant relief and improve your ability to perform daily tasks. 10. Improves Back Support Stretching strengthens the back muscles, providing better support for the spinal cord and reducing the risk of lumbar disc herniation and other back issues. 12. Promotes Better Sleep Stretching and deep breathing before bed can relax your muscles and mind, leading to better sleep quality. 13. Enhances Overall Health Incorporating stretching into your daily routine has numerous health benefits, from reducing the risk of chronic conditions to improving your physical and mental well-being. 14. Incorporates Easily into Home Office You don’t need a lot of space or equipment to stretch. Simple exercises like neck rolls, child’s pose, and using a resistance band can be done right in your home office. 15. Customizable for Different Needs Whether you’re an office worker, a pregnant woman, or someone recovering from a physical therapy session, stretch breaks can be tailored to meet your specific needs and help you stay pain-free at home. Remember, taking little time throughout your workday for stretch breaks can make a big difference in your overall health and comfort. Whether it’s a quick forward lunge, deep backbend, or static stretches, these small actions can prevent severe pain and keep you feeling good. 7 Best Back and Neck Stretches for Remote Working Moms 1. Shoulder Blade Pinches *photo link* Hunching over your computer for multiple hours daily can cause poor posture and all kinds of pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. That’s why having a routine stretch such as shoulder blade pinches is needed to counteract that pesky stiff hunch. “[Shoulder blade pinches] help support spinal health by maintaining good posture and reducing the tension on your back,” notes Gallucci. Luckily, you can do them just about anywhere to combat upper back pain. How to do it: Start standing or seated (or do a combination of both) with your feet flat on the ground. Raise each arm up as if you’re getting ready to give a high-five, then move your arms backward bringing your shoulder blades together–still maintaining that upright high-five angle. Hold and pinch for 10 seconds, release, and repeat ten times. 2. Forward Bends *photo link* There’s no doubt working at a desk all day can cause major stiffness in your back. Tawny Kross, DPT, TPS, a physical therapist and a pain and wellness coach who received her doctorate from Duke University, suggests forward bends to help loosen your spine. The key here is to practice this stretch consistently so your back muscles can get the relief it needs after those long hours at a computer. How to do it: In a sitting, standing, or long-seated position (sitting on the floor with legs straight