Stress Strategies

Stress less - Relax more!

A crucial component to maintaining your weight is a stress management program. Studies have shown that chronic stress is actually a culprit in contributing to weight gain. Visit this website to learn more about stress and its affect on weight gain.

• Set a reminder on your calendar for a micro stretch break four times a day.
• Stretch from head to toe to increase blood flow to those areas that remain stagnant when you are sitting or standing in the same position for periods of time.  Reach your arms up to the ceiling while stepping on your toes-then move down on your heels while swinging your arms downward – repeat for 10. Alternately, run in place while moving your arms back and forth. 
• Bring in a set of light weights or exercise bands to use during your micro stretch breaks.
• Use a yoga ball to sit on alternately instead of your chair. Yoga balls force you to use your accessory muscles which strengthen them.
• Walk briskly to and from the farthest restroom or water fountain when you take a break.  Better yet, start a walking group at work.
• If you are at the computer a lot, give your eye muscles a rest by gazing at a distance. If you are in a cubicle you can also place a small mirror above your computer to gaze into for looking at a distance. 
• Rub your temples then close your eyes, cup your hands over them and try to make yourself see total blackness. 
• Do a total body scan several times as day- start at the top of your head and go to the tip of your toes making a mental note of where you feel your muscles are the tightest?  Focus on that muscle group while relaxing and stretching it.   
• Think of moments that really made you laugh and let yourself laugh out loud.
• Focus on a relaxing time you had or are planning to have.
• On a stressful day, put things in perspective by subscribing to the old adage - “This too shall pass”!

Make a personalized “desk-scape” to escape to!

• Bring in personal items and dedicate a corner of your desk to remind you of some of your  favorite  places, people  and  things  - sea shells, sand, pinecones, rocks, twigs, driftwood, beads, pictures – to name a few.
• Make a play box with sand, play dough, modeling clay, rubber bands, or tennis balls to give you a tactile retreat from keyboarding or writing. 
• Have a touchstone such as a picture, a poster, an essential oil, or a memento that when focused on will bring you back into your “comfort zone” if you are feeling stressed.
• Color a mandala, work a puzzle, or sketch a picture to refresh your focus and instill a sense of calm.
• Hang mobiles or kinetic items to create a sense of movement and energy in your work space.

Make an office retreat

• Keep a personalized “spa” basket on hand with your favorite teas, coffees, lotions, soaps, scents, or hand held massagers to take a mini pamper break.
• Add music to your day or put in a relaxation or environmental sound tape during your break time.
• Go green and bring the outside in with a hydroponic, rock, or herb garden, terrariums, or cacti.
• Utilizing favorite pillows, linens, and draped fabrics can add warmth, color, and sound proofing to enhance the comfort of your office space.
• Bring in your favorite china, crystal, silver, and linens to eat on when having lunch at your desk.

For additional information, visit Stress Strategies Resources.

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