Our hands so important in almost everything we do physically. When I ask my students what they use their hands for, the answer is usually EVERYTHING. This includes daily tasks like showering, making phone calls, doing dishes, and cooking. It also includes hobbies such as knitting, art, writing, golfing - you get the picture.

Look at some of these expressions, just a few of dozens I ran across in my search:

I have to hand it to you

She has the upper hand

That guy is heavy-handed

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you

Try your hand at this

As important as they are, we often don’t give them attention unless they are giving us trouble. Issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and general cramping / stiffness can really interfere with our daily activities.

Arthritis in the joints of the hand becomes more common with people over 45. Even younger people can experience problems in the fingers, wrists, and forearms, due to our dependence on technology.

Whether you work at a computer all day, or hold onto a phone or tablet while scrolling or texting, when you spend many hours doing the same things on a daily basis you become subject to repetitive stress injuries.

This is why I think it’s important to give those hands some love, through stretches, gentle movement, and even strengthening exercises. I like to incorporate these into my classes.

I hope that you make some time to be good to your hands today.

Be Well,

Eva