To help manage stress, and to help avoid becoming over-stressed, there are simple exercises you can do each day.

“These exercises can often be done at your desk and usually only take a few minutes,” says Dr. Lydia Makrides, president and CEO of Creative Wellness Solutions.

Exercises

Release. This exercise helps you to understand what it feels like to relax, and it can rid your body of unwanted tension,” notes Dr. Makrides.

First tense your muscles, then relax them. Start with your toes and work your way up to your face. Go through each body part. It will take several minutes to complete; remember not to rush. This may be an exercise you can do over lunch in the park or in your office with the door closed.

Inhale. “As you breathe in, focus on your breathing, focus on the breath going in and out of your body,” says Dr. Makrides.

Deep-breathing exercises are a great way to relax and unwind. Start by taking a good breath in through your nose, then breathe out through your mouth. This exercise will only take a minute or two. You can do it between phone calls, before a meeting starts and sitting in front of your computer.

Imagine. “This may be a favorite vacation spot, a room in your home, or an enjoyable pastime,” says Dr. Makrides. “Picturing such images helps to put the day in perspective.”

It is relaxing, and energizing, to imagine the stresses and strains of the day floating away. Close your eyes, breathe in deeply and picture something pleasant.  It only takes a few minutes for positive thoughts to have a powerful effect.  

Stretch. “You will feel much better right away,” says Dr. Makrides.

When the body is tense, muscles contract. Nothing helps to loosen them like a good stretch. Stand up from your desk and put your arms above your head. Stretch. Bend your arms down to the floor. Stretch. Sitting in your chair, extend your legs. Stretch.

Explore our leisure section for ideas on other fun things you can do to help reduce stress and relax.

To help manage stress, and to help avoid becoming over-stressed, there are simple exercises you can do each day.

“These exercises can often be done at your desk and usually only take a few minutes,” says Dr. Lydia Makrides, president and CEO of Creative Wellness Solutions.

Exercises

Release. This exercise helps you to understand what it feels like to relax, and it can rid your body of unwanted tension,” notes Dr. Makrides.

First tense your muscles, then relax them. Start with your toes and work your way up to your face. Go through each body part. It will take several minutes to complete; remember not to rush. This may be an exercise you can do over lunch in the park or in your office with the door closed.

Inhale. “As you breathe in, focus on your breathing, focus on the breath going in and out of your body,” says Dr. Makrides.

Deep-breathing exercises are a great way to relax and unwind. Start by taking a good breath in through your nose, then breathe out through your mouth. This exercise will only take a minute or two. You can do it between phone calls, before a meeting starts and sitting in front of your computer.

Imagine. “This may be a favorite vacation spot, a room in your home, or an enjoyable pastime,” says Dr. Makrides. “Picturing such images helps to put the day in perspective.”

It is relaxing, and energizing, to imagine the stresses and strains of the day floating away. Close your eyes, breathe in deeply and picture something pleasant.  It only takes a few minutes for positive thoughts to have a powerful effect.  

Stretch. “You will feel much better right away,” says Dr. Makrides.

When the body is tense, muscles contract. Nothing helps to loosen them like a good stretch. Stand up from your desk and put your arms above your head. Stretch. Bend your arms down to the floor. Stretch. Sitting in your chair, extend your legs. Stretch.

Explore our leisure section for ideas on other fun things you can do to help reduce stress and relax.