Stress Reduction Exercises and Techniques

Stretching at your Desk or Computer by The Stretching Institute

Below are a few stretches that can be performed in a seated position that will help to relieve tension around the shoulders, neck and upper back. The following stretches should be held for about 15 to 20 seconds and then repeated 2 to 4 times.

	Look forward while keeping your head up. Slowly move your ear towards your shoulder while keeping your hands behind your back.
Let your chin fall forward towards your chest. Relax your shoulders and keep your hands by your side.
	Keep your shoulders still and your head up. Slowly rotate your chin towards your shoulder.
While sitting on a chair, cross your arms over and hang on to the chair between your legs. Let your head fall forward and then lean backwards.
	Interlock your fingers in front of your chest and then straighten your arms and turn the palms of your hands outwards.
Sit upright and interlock your fingers. Bend your arms and place them above your head while forcing your elbows and hands backwards.
	Sit forward on your chair (or stand) and clasp your hands together behind your back. Slowly lift your hands upward.
Sit upright and place one arm across your body. Keep your arm parallel to the ground and pull your elbow towards your opposite shoulder.
	Sit with your arms crossed over and then raise them above your head. Reach up as far as you can.
Sit with your hand behind your neck and your elbow pointing upwards. Then use your other hand (or a rope or towel) to pull your elbow down.

Stretching is one of the most under-utilized techniques for improving athletic performance and getting rid of those annoying sports injuries. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective.

Source: Article by Brad Walker. Brad is a leading stretching and sports injury consultant with nearly 20 years experience in the health and fitness industry. For more articles on stretching, flexibility and sports injury, please visit
The Stretching Institute .

Other Resources:

• Video: Office Exercises - Fitness expert Lucy Wyndham-Read has selected a variety of exercises and stretches especially designed to work many of the muscle groups at once in the office.
• Video: Don't Let Your Desk Job Ruin Your Health - video demonstrations of various exercises you can do at your desk.
• Article: What Types of Stress Reduction Exercise are Most Effective?
  We have all heard that exercise if great for stress reduction, but there are some that are more effective at stress reduction than others.
• Article: Stress Management Exercises - 6 Simple Techniques
  Stress management exercises will be beneficial for you if you are feeling uptight and tense.
• Article: 12 Best Stretching Exercises at Your Desk
• Article: Cut Stress Right Now - 8 Things You Can Do From Your Desk by Fiona Young-Brown
• Exercises to Prevent and Ease the Pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Laura Inverarity

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