Step 1:

Begin by pinching from tips and bottoms of each finger and thumb of both your right hand and left hand. The pressure applied to your fingers should be firm, but not painful. A few seconds for each finger tip will do. Pinch them again, but this time squeezing from side to side.

Step 2:

Vigorously rub back and forth from the base to the tip of each linger & thumb.

Step 3:

Grasp each finger & thumb at its base and pull firmly. Allow your grip to loosen slightly, graduating it from the base to the finger tip until your finger slips out of your grasp completely.

Step 4:

Using your thumb and forefinger firmly grasp the webbed area between your thumb & forefinger of your other hand. Keeping a firm hold, pull at the skin gently until the fleshy web snaps away from your grasp. Repeat this process for the webbed-between areas on all your fingers.

Step 5:

Rest the palm of your hand inside the fingers of your free hand. Use your thumb to massage the back of your hand. Slowly work on the knuckles and in between knuckle area first. Continue thumb’ massaging each area on the back of the hand.

Step 6:

At the end of your session press your thumb deeply in the centre of your palm. Take a few deep breaths. This would help to relax, clear your mind, and focus on your healing intentions.

On Your Hot Seat

• Sit with your feet comfortably flat on the floor and elbows level with the keyboard.
• Keep your arms parallel to the floor.
• Recline chair slightly to reduce pressure on the lower back.
• Push your hips very close to the back of the chair.
• De-clutter the area below your desk so you have room to stretch your legs.

On the phone

• Avoid holding the receiver between the shoulder and the ear as it strains the neck.
• Use a headset if you use the phone frequently.
• Make sure the phone is within easy reach to avoid over-stretching.
• Use both thumbs to type messages on your mobile phone to minimize the strain on one thumb.

Using the keyboard

• Type lightly. Heavy pounding stresses the fingers and may result in elbow pain.
• Adjust the keyboard so it’s in the middle of your body.
• Type with straight wrists; adjust the height of the keyboard if your wrists are bent when typing.
• Use a desktop rather than a laptop for prolonged typing — it has a bigger and higher screen and more well-spaced keys.

Monitor safety

• Make sure your monitor is placed at least an arm’s length away.
• Keep the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level.
• Tilt the screen slightly so the base is closer to you than the top.
• Place the monitor perpendicular to the window if you are relying on natural light.
• Keep your head straight when working — tilting it causes neck strain.

Take a time out

• Follow the 20/20/20 rule — work for 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds and look 20 feet (6 meters) away.
• Mix sedentary and mobile tasks. Sitting still for long periods inhibits blood circulation.
• Stretch your neck, shoulders, wrists, arms and back occasionally.
• Make it a habit to blink every two to four seconds — this ensures your eyes are constantly lubricated, and prevents strain.