The area above your shoulders is one that commonly holds tension—staring at computer screens and phones for extended periods, slumping into poor posture at your desk, picking up kids, carrying groceries, and sleeping in awkward positions overnight, can all contribute to head and neck tension.
You may not be able to get away from the computer or avoid stress altogether, but there are things you can do to reduce the strain. These simple, impactful tips will create more space in the neck, shoulders, and back, and will help to soothe your head and neck tension as well as your state of mind.
1. Basic Neck Stretches
Anyone with a desk job needs to incorporate stretching into their routine. Slow neck circles are your best friend when you have neck tension. Gently and slowly use your chin to draw a circle to the right three times and then to the left three times. Another favorite of ours is the behind the back neck stretch: standing with feet hip-distance apart, reach both hands behind your buttocks and gently take turns clasping and pulling down gently on each hand.
2. Tennis Ball Massage
You can’t beat a professional massage, but if time doesn’t permit, grab a tennis ball, lay down on a hard surface, knees bent and feet grounded and place it underneath the area of tension. Gently rock your body from side to side so that the ball massages your neck and increasing circulation to the area.
3. Unwind with Essential Oils
When tension strikes, have some soothing essential oils to hand to apply to pressure points or breathe in deeply to help calm your physical or mental tension. We love essential oils like Menthol, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Eucalyptus which is why we made sure to formulate them in our Relief & Recovery CBD Roll-On.
4. Take Breaks, Move Often
It’s easy to lose track of the hours you’ve been sedentary in the same position. Set a timer every 30 minutes and take breaks while you work. Get up, move your body, and stretch your neck and upper body. This can benefit more than just your muscles, it can also benefit your eyes and mental well-being.
5. Apply a Warm Compress
When you experience stress, your muscles can tense and remain contracted for long periods, which can result in neck and head tension. Applying a warm compress helps to relax tense muscles, promote blood flow to the area, and reduce temporary discomfort.
6. Take an Epsom Salt Bath
Your perfect excuse for a bath has arrived! Epsom salt has a mixture of magnesium in it and acts as a natural muscle relaxant while reducing discomfort. Simply add two cups of Epsom salt to the water and soak your body, especially the neck area, in the water for 20 minutes.
Leave a comment