Simple Body Stetching to Relieve Stress

Despite of my busy days at work, I always enjoy every opportunity I could get by doing some simple body stretching. Can you imagine of sitting all day at work, facing my computer - doing all the paper works, which I normally do 8-12 hours a day... uuummm sounds absolutely unhealthy if I don't make any effort at least to walk around, or to do something.

I already have given you some tips, which you can read on my previous post about Stress-Relieving, Fun-Producing Tech Toys.

I have learned that stretching exercises stimulate receptors in the nervous system that decrease the production of stress hormones, it relaxes tight, tense muscles and increase blood flow to the muscles. It also helps to relieve stress as they get the blood flowing - improving circulation while adding flexibility and relieving muscle tension.

However, due to the fact that I only have limited time - only during break time, here are some simple tips that I do which work for me:

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your legs slightly bent. Raise one of your arms and place your hand over your back. Try to reach as far down the midline of your spine as possible. Increase the stretch by gently pushing the elbow back with your other hand. Hold the position for 30 seconds. Feel the stretch down the back of your arm. Slowly return to the start position and repeat with the other arm.



Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your legs slightly bent. Clasp your hands behind your back. Pull your tummy muscles in and keep your head, neck and shoulders relaxed. Keeping your back straight, lift your arms away from your back until you can feel the stretch across your chest. You should feel your chest "opening". Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then return to the start.



Stand with your feet hip width apart and your legs slightly bent. Straighten your arms out in front of you and clasp your fingers together. Keeping your lower back firm and your body upright, gently push your hands away from you. Feel the stretch across your upper back and at the back of your shoulders. Hold for 30 to 45 seconds and then slowly lower your arms to the start position.

Also, I do some body twisting techniques too. To give you an exact idea how to do it properly, please copy this URL to your browser to be able to see.

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=683073n

So, it's not too late yet to do something about it - "Why not trying to make it a habit, if you want to achieve something"...