How To Relieve Stress At Work

It may seem next to impossible to find time to relieve stress at work, but a few well-spent minutes can dramatically increase your productivity, enjoyment and health.

• Take a few deep breaths, allowing your rib cage and belly to expand as you inhale. Exhale slowly.
• Seek a change in venue. Getting away from your work station, even for a walk to the water cooler, can help you collect your thoughts and refocus on the task at hand.
• Laugh! Read one of your favorite jokes or simply laugh aloud.
• Play with a stress-relieving toy or game like a mini-basketball hoop, dart board, foam stress ball or punching bag.
• Close your eyes and listen to soothing music.
• Visualize yourself relaxing at your favorite vacation spot or completing the big presentation with ease.
• Add helpful reminders to your screen saver, such as, “Take a deep breath,” or add a phrase or joke that makes you laugh.

 Relieve Stress While You Work with Easy Exercises.

1. Pelvis Tilt

With your feet flat on the floor, tilt your pelvis forward so your lower back rounds, and then tip your pelvis backward so your lower back arches and your belly protrudes a little. Keep your neck, shoulders and stomach relaxed. Repeat several times slowly. This will not only help relax your lower body but will further instruct you in finding that neutral pelvic position that is not tilted to either extreme and helps you sit up straight comfortably.

2. Basic Twist

Sit up straight on the forward part of the chair, pelvis in neutral position, feet flat on the floor. Slowly twist to the right side, turning your head in the same direction while keeping your shoulders relaxed along the way. Observe how other muscles besides the twisting muscles near the spine jump into action. The right shoulder may rise up toward the ear or move backward. As you repeat, create more efficiency in the movement. Relax more of the body each time. Do the other side.

3. Basic Twist With Variation

Do the same slow twist to the right while turning the head all the way to the left. This is impossible to do with hunched shoulders. An excessive arch in the lower back will also make it a struggle. Sit tall yet relaxed. Observe how the muscles around the shoulders and chest may want to force the motion.

As you repeat these exercises, efficiency and relaxation will improve and you never left your desk!