Quick and Easy Tension Tamers

by WiredBerries Editors — March 3, 2008

With all the chaos surrounding us, it can be difficult to keep stress at bay. If you feel tension starting to creep in, try one of these quick stress-fighting exercises from healthywomen.org:

• Stand up. Put your fists on your lower back at the beltline, with your elbows pointing back. Keep your legs fairly straight and arch your shoulders back. Press your fists lightly into your lower back and your head will go back. Blow out. As you do, imagine you are blowing out the stress of the day.
• Sit in a chair. Inhale as you push your heels down into the floor. Push your back into the seatback of the chair. Hold that tension for a moment, then relax and exhale. Inhale again and squeeze the thigh muscles tight. Hold, then relax and exhale. Place your palms together in front of you. Inhale as you push them in, then relax and exhale. Breathe in as you tighten your abdominal muscles, pushing your lower back into the chair. Blow out as you release the muscles and relax. If you have time, you can continue this exercise with other muscle groups.
• Place your fingertips on your chin. Inhale as you push your chin in and tilt your head forward. Exhale as you release your chin and relax your muscles.