Get More Done By Reducing Stress

You’re sitting at your desk, trying to concentrate on work that needs to get done. But your hips are stiff, your back aching and your neck and shoulder area is getting tighter by the minute. These signals of stress build up diminish your ability to focus on the task at hand, resulting in additional stress.

As a silent enemy of productivity, stress can affect employees at any level in any position, regardless of the type of work being performed.

There are mental exercises that can help reduce stress and there are physical exercises that can do the same. However, by combining mental and physical exercises, the synergy between the two methods will give you better results in a shorter amount of time.

Taking ten minutes to ‘stretch & massage’ the body and mind, once or twice a day, can go a long way in keeping stress levels in a manageable zone.

Try the following ‘StressBusters’ to reset your body and refocus your mind:

- Close the door and play some light classical or new age music. Calm and instrumental is the key here.

- Shut off all other distractions (just for 10 minutes!), such as your cell phone, pager or television.

- Lie down on the floor, face up (an exercise mat would come in handy, but not absolutely necessary), arms out to the side, legs down – do this for 2 minutes.

- Pull your knees into your chest, wrap your arms around your shins & hold for 45 seconds.

- Turn over, face down. Put your hands under shoulders and push your upper body off the floor while keeping your hips and legs down on the floor & hold for 45 seconds.

- Stand up and put your hands behind your head with fingers interlocked. Slowly tilt your chin toward your chest and gently push forward with your hands. Keep your posture upright and you should feel a tension-releasing stretch in your neck, upper back and shoulders & hold for 30 seconds.

As an added bonus, this little routine will also give you an energy boost. Consult with your physician if you are unsure of your ability to do these stress reduction exercises.

As a preventive measure, this simple routine can be done at the start of your day, mid-day and mid-afternoon.

It’s a medical conclusion that stress can kill, unless you kill it first. Take a few minutes a day to manage your stress and give yourself the needed boost for productivity.


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(c) 2006 Joey Atlas - All rights reserved.

Have a stress free & Happy Thanksgiving !

Joey Atlas
- The Fitness Shaman