I tried this five-minute mobility routine before starting work and I felt far more comfortable sitting at my desk

Woman stretching at home. One foot and the opposite hand are in line on the floor at the top of a yoga mat, with the other foot on its toes at the back of the mat. The other arm reaches up and her torso is rotated. She is wearing green sports leggings and a cropped black top and her black hair is in a bun.

If you work a desk job like me, you might be used to dealing with aches and pains. Whether it's stiffness in the shoulders or an achy lower back, sitting down all day can be taxing on our bodies.

Fortunately, there is a way to reduce and prevent niggles and discomfort. Regular mobility exercises will strengthen your joints and increase your flexibility, and minimize the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.