Stress Reduction Tips

Create Your Own Mini-Yoga. Physical Stress Reduction Techniques for People Pressed for Time

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

When work gets hectic, I tend to respond by physically tensing up. It often feels as though my body is in knots! I know theoretically I should get a massage or head to a yoga class, but at the same time, the reason I'm so stressed is because I'm basically living at work! Is there anything I can do --fast!-- to get my body back into healthy shape so I'm not dealing with an achey neck or back?

Sincerely,

Human Pretzel 

A:

Dear Human Pretzel,

There are a couple of things you can try. Think "mini-yoga"--stretching moves that can be done quickly but effectively.

Try these:

* Get your circulation going. Stretch up on your tippy toes and reach for the sky, then lower your feet first, so you’re sure-footed, and bend at the hips, slowly releasing the upper half of your body down toward your toes until your long-hair is touching the ground and if you’re short-haired, your locks are reaching for the ground. Keep your hands clasped, and allow a gentle stretch by reaching for the ground, and if you’re limber, and barefoot, reach for your feet and put your hands, palms up, under your feet and stand on them.

* You’re on your feet all day, give your nervous system a great break. Lie on the floor with your butt against the wall, and your legs up the wall. Stay there for a minute or two. This is an excellent way to reverse circulation in your legs and rejuvenate your body.

* If you can invert your body (think hand stand, head stand), and you’re not menstruating, then do it! A hand stand or head stand will give you a fresh jolt of energy from within. Don’t do this for the first time. Only if you know how to do it.

By relaxing your body physically, hopefully the relaxation will filter through to your mind as well! 

 

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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