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Three ways to de-stress at your desk

School time's in season and we're back in the classroom. This means hours and hours of sitting on our chairs until break time or class change, leading to back pain, as well as shoulder and neck aches. Here are three tested moves to loosen up and rejuvenate, without having to excuse yourself from class (helps during homework too!):

 Slow seated twist: This helps reduce tension in the back and encourages circulation. Sit upright on your chair and plant your feet flat on the ground. Look forward and take in a deep breath. Now breathe out slowly and while doing so, twist your upper body to the left while holding on your left armrest or to the left side of your chair. Make sure to keep your back straight, as you stay in the twist. Turn your head to look over your left shoulder and take five slow breaths. Once done, exhale slowly and ease your body into the forward-facing position. Repeat the same with a right twist. 
 Neck stretch: Ease those shoulders and neck to prevent tightness in the area and tension headaches. Firstly, sit in your chair and relax your shoulder. Hold the top left side of your head with your right hand (reach out from the back) and gently pull it towards your right collarbone. You will feel a slight stretch in your neck. Hold this position for about 10 seconds, breathe in and out slowly with shoulders relaxed, then release as you exhale. Do the same with the opposite side. 
Posture prep: This improves your posture, relieves tension in your back, shoulders and arms. Sit on the edge of your chair to leave enough space behind your back. Stretch your arms back and interlace your fingers. Take a deep breath and lift your chest up and forward. At the same time, raise your chin up slightly toward the sky and pull your arms away behind your body. At this point, you should feel your shoulder blades squeeze together and your chest expand. Slowly breathe out and bent forward towards your knees as much as possible, while keeping your arms stretched up and above. Take slow deep breaths and you stretch, then relax. Repeat this once every few hours.