National Stress Awareness Day

GAME…Two Truths and a Lie:

Each one of you must take a piece of paper, start writing 3 things about yourself, one out of which must be a lie. When each member of the group has finished writing start the fun. Now one of you read aloud the things that you have written about yourself. Other members have to tell which one is a lie. This is a fun game which will help you know about each one and an individual will know how much others know about him/her.

EXERCISE/STRETCH…

Office stress relief is what you need to improve your productivity and feel more positive about your job and career. Here are four easy exercises you can do without leaving your desk or getting funny looks from your coworkers.

Trunk twists. Sit as tall as possible at your desk (pretend your boss is holding your head up as if you were a marionette). Rotate your shoulders up, back then down (as if you were trying to hold an apple between your shoulder blades). Rest your left hand behind your left hip and slowly twist to that side. Hold for a slow count of ten then return to your starting position. Repeat on the right side.

Chin lifts. Again, sit tall at your desk and rotate your shoulders up, back and then down. Keep your face forward. Then slowly lower your chin until it is resting against your chest. Hold for a slow count of 10 then raise your chin. Now raise your chin up until you are looking at the ceiling. Hold for a slow count of 10, and then lower to your starting position. Repeat as often as necessary to relieve tension in your neck.

Ear dips. Start by sitting tall at your desk with your shoulders positioned as if you were trying to hold an apple between your shoulder blades. Face forward. Slowly lower your head to the left as if you were trying to pin your left ear to left shoulder. Hold for a slow count of 10, and then return to your starting position. Repeat on the right side. Repeat this office stress relief exercise as often as you need to.

While you are doing these first three exercises, you may want to close your eyes and visualize a calm scene, such as a peaceful mountain lake or a quiet country road. Or, you can post a soothing picture on your bulletin board or wall or as a computer screen saver and gaze on it to refocus your thoughts. You will be amazed at how much calmer you will feel.

Play catch. Crumble up a sheet of paper into a ball and toss it in the air. Catch it. This is a great office stress reliever because it gets the whole body involved. Plus it focuses your mind on something else but the task at hand. Everyone needs a chance to play and this is one easy, quick way to do it. If you can, invest in one of those basketball hoops that fit over a wastebasket and use it. Pretty soon, your office mates may challenge you to a quick pick-up game: a new way to look at teamwork.

Of course, if things are really tense, the best office stress relief would be to get up and walk away from your desk, even if it’s just a quick stroll to the restroom or cafeteria. However, going outside would be the best option because it allows you to get some fresh air into your system. Take as long as you need to calm down.

Office stress relief exercises don’t have to be exotic, mystical movements. They can be done inconspicuously and provide almost instant relief, helping you to be more relaxed and more productive. Try them today.

From www.juststressrelief.com