When drawing or writing for a long period of time, the muscles in the hands can become stiff from holding a pen and can sometimes be painful. To help stop the discomfort, it's important to make sure to take regular breaks and to exercise the hands for better mobility.

As an artist myself, here are a few examples of hand exercises I like to do:

• (1) Small elastic bands, I use these as mini resistant bands for the fingers. These bands can help stretch the fingers out by placing the band between two fingers and slowly stretch the fingers out sideways whilst keeping them straight, taking care not to stretch the band too wide as it can snap. Hold for about 1-2 minutes for each finger. This helps muscle strength and improve mobility.

• (2) A soft small ball can be used to exercise the hands to help muscle strength for a stronger grip, by holding the ball in your hand and slowly squeezing it. Squeeze the ball about 3-5 times for each hand.

• (3) Lay your hands flat on a table with fingers slightly parted and hold for about 2-3 minutes. This helps to loosen the tightness of muscles in the hands.

 

Sharon

 

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