Flexing Your (Creative) Muscles
- Dana Kozak
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
It can be easy as creative people to forget and unintentionally neglect our bodies when working on projects that are important to us and our livelihoods. By not taking breaks in between needle work or staring too long at a computer screen, the mental and physical strain can weigh us down and hinder us in the long run. However, there are ways to fit in quick and easy stretches and exercises to help us feel better and be creative longer too!
If you’ve sat in a chair for a few hours without taking any breaks, you’ll understand the stiffness that comes with it. It’s easy to be on a roll with a project and sometimes it’s hard to step away from what’s almost complete. That’s why these neck and shoulder stretches are perfect for when you just can’t step away yet.
With your back straight, tuck your chin against your chest, rolling your head slowly side to side. The goal is to have your ear almost touching your shoulder when rolling to each side. Remember to be cognizant of your own limits and don’t force any movements that are painful or sore. A little can go a long way in the end! You can then increase the level of neck stretching by rolling your head down, around, and back for a continuous stretch, with slow precise movements. For each rotation, begin in intervals of three or five, or any amount that’s easy to keep track of during your stretching break.
For hands and wrists, stretches are integral to mobility and creativity, as we spend a lot of time using our hands without necessarily giving them the care they need. With your arms outstretched, make a relaxed fist with both hands, rolling them clockwise and counterclockwise of each other. Any amount of rotation helps, but you can start with five rotations and build up. Slow, intentional rotations are key to stretching your wrists.
For further stretches, there are many videos to watch on YouTube that feature stretching for creative people. One channel that highlights these types of stretches is Yoga With Adriene. Her channel has many different yoga routines, but here are the playlists that focus on exercises for creatives and artisans:
Yoga for the Hands and Wrists
Yoga for Neck Tension
Feel free to give these a watch at your own pace or explore other channels for stretches that inspire wellness. The key to a healthy mind and body is to integrate exercises wherever they fit into your daily routine. Improving mobility doesn’t necessarily require drastic change, but little exercises throughout the day. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to dive back into those creative projects.
Comments