Ever since I’ve started working from home, I’ve been on my laptop 24/7. While that can be fun, some days I will notice that my wrists aren’t feeling as great after typing for such a long time from an awkward position. In order to combat this, I started noting which yoga poses seemed to help after replying to all the emails in my inbox. I came up with a list of yoga poses that focus on strengthening and stretching the wrist joint. Most of these you can do at your desk, and all of them you can do in your home (As pictured below!) Get some wrist stretches in the next time you have a 10 minute work break – It feels great!

Start with a twirl

A great way to warm up your wrists is to roll them clockwise and counterclockwise. This will reduce risk of strain and pain, and it’s a gentle stretch where you can go at your own speed. Circle your wrists in one direction ten times before changing directions.

Prayer position

I typically think of this position at the end of my yoga practice, but it’s actually a lovely stretch when you focus on the wrists. Place your hands together and lower your hands until you feel a slight stretch.

Wrist stretches from tabletop position

I like to practice these wrist positions when I’m in tabletop position. I rotate my hand outwards, creating a semi circle motion and only going as far as I feel comfortable. It feels great to take my time, breathe through these positions and try them multiple times.

Let It Go Yoga

Let It Go Yoga provides ample opportunities to stretch your wrists while holding gentle positions on the floor. This pose stretches the wrist while grasping the ankle and letting the leg open out to the side. I always play my Let It Go Yoga online class when I am looking for a full body sequence that I can practice after work. It puts my mind at ease and focuses on areas that frequently get tense during the day.

New to Let It Go Yoga? – Start Here

Interlaced finger stretch

This one has always been a favorite! This pose is perfect for stretching forearms, wrists and fingers. Interlace the fingers and then stretch the palms away from the body. From this position, you can bring your arms above your head or try interlacing your fingers behind your back for a different variation. After this pose, I’m ready to take on the rest of my workday!


Wall stretch

A great shoulder and wrist stretch! I start this pose by placing one hand on the wall (Or bookshelf, in this case!) and slowly turning my body away until I feel a stretch. I love taking my time with this one, breathing and continuing to turn when I am ready.

 

Hope these stretches make WFH a little bit better! Happy typing!

Written by Emily Parsons, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher. Photos by Nate Skeen.

New to Let It Go Yoga? – Start Here