Leaning over a computer or sewing machine all day can really wreak havoc on your neck (and your upper back and arms). Here’s a stretch that doesn’t seem like it will make a difference for your neck, but it really does!
Twisted arms stretch
Begin with your arms up in front of your body, so that your elbows and arms make an “L” shape and your palms are flat and facing in toward one another:
Cross your arms in front of you so that your left elbow is just inside your right elbow and your palms are now facing outward, away from one another:
Twist your arms together so that the palms once again meet and face one another. Hold here for 30 seconds:
Here’s a side view so you can see that pose from another angle:
Return to your center starting position to begin the stretch on the other side:
Cross your arms in front of you again, this time placing your right elbow just inside the left:
Twist your arms once more so the palms meet:
Here is a view from the other side: