Had a tough day? Computer giving you problems? Last-minute shopping? Important meeting coming up? Need to relax?
There come those inevitable times during the day when our body signals to us that it has had an overdose of stress. Don’t let tension build up and ruin your hard work. Pace yourself throughout the day. Take frequent stretch breaks. Breathe deeply and take a few minutes to do these stretches.
1. Clasp your hands together and roll your wrists. You may also do this stretch one wrist at a time. Do this about 10 seconds in each direction.
2. Roll your shoulders backwards 5 seconds.
3. Now roll your shoulders forward 5 seconds.
4. Clasp your hands together and extend them in front of you, palms pressing away from your body, stretching the middle and upper part of your back. 5 seconds.
5. Take your right hand and place it on your left shoulder. Now take your left hand and place it just above your elbow and gently press toward the left shoulder. This will stretch your right shoulder. 10 seconds. Each arm.
6. Clasp your hands together and extend them overhead, palms up, pressing upwards. 10 seconds.
7. Tilt your head to your shoulder (ear to shoulder). 10 seconds. Each side.
Feel better? Try these stretches while you are reading online or in between meetings. After doing the stretches a couple of times, you’ll know the routine by heart and can do them more frequently.
