We probably don’t need to remind you of the toll that nursing school takes on your body. If you’re not running back and forth between patient rooms or moving 200-pound patients during clinic, you’re likely bent over a computer or textbook for several hours at a time. All this straining makes for a really tight neck and if you’re experiencing pain related to neck soreness, you’ll understand why this is no joke. Thankfully, there are plenty of exercises to strength and stretch out your sore neck muscles before you end up with an injury.

 

At CrushNCLEX, we suggest trying yoga for your sore muscles. It’s easy to practice, non-weight bearing and reduces your risk of injury. On top of that, practicing yoga is an excellent way to ease into exercise. Since prevention is the best cure for disease and soreness alike. Taking care of your body during nursing school is the best place to start protecting yourself for when you become a nurse.

 

Try these yoga poses for a stronger, relaxed neck:

 

• Mountain Pose. Often the first yoga pose we learn, the Mountain pose is a great way to practice healthy posture. To begin, stand straight with your feet hip width apart. Pretend that your spinal column has been replaced by a metal rod in order to keep your head and neck straight and neutral. Pay attention to your chin, keeping it lifted. This pose counteracts the strain placed on our neck and shoulders from straining at computers and our smartphones. Perform this pose several times a day.

 

• Forward Fold with Shoulder Opener. Begin in mountain pose. Next, fold over one vertebra at a time, as though you could easily touch your toes. Place one arm over the other, put your hands together, and bend further. You’ll notice the stretch in your neck and shoulder.

 

• Seated Ear to Shoulder. The best part about this stretch? It can be done at anytime. All you will need to do is let your feet fall flat on the floor, keeping your spine as straight as possible. Next, tilt your head to the side without moving your shoulders. Try stretching so that your ear moves closer and closer to your shoulder.

 

Now try these exercises! You can do them nearly anytime of the day. Practice them when you stand at the end of class or just before you sit down to study. If you’ve tackled these poses and would like something more challenging, search your community for a yoga class. Exercise is great for both you body and mind. Some studies have even found that exercise help regenerate cells in the hippocampus. What does this mean for you? Learning will be easier, nursing school may be less stressful, and you’ll be well on your way to crushing your NCLEX.