Stress Release From Your Desk

Copyright 2007 Dyan Garris

Here are several techniques you can do right at your desk to release stress during the work day:

• 1. Prana Breathing

  Prana breathing is also known as yoga or nostril breathing. It is an easy technique and extremely relaxing within two to three minutes. To begin, place your right index finger on your right nostril, holding it closed. Keeping it closed, inhale deeply through your left nostril. Immediately place your left index finger on your left nostril, holding it closed, while releasing your right nostril. Exhale through the right nostril. Inhale back through your right nostril while holding the left nostril closed. Close the right nostril and exhale out the left. Inhale back through the left, close it, and exhale out the right. Repeat this process for 2 to 3 minutes. You will feel deeply relaxed and refreshed and your mind will be clear.

  
  

• 2. Tense and Relax Technique

  When you are feeling really tense, sit at your desk with both feet firmly on the floor. Inhale deeply through the nose and then with conscious effort tense and tighten every muscle in your body as tightly as you can. Clench your fists. Exhale through mouth and while you’re doing that release every muscle at once, becoming as limp as you possibly can. Repeat three times. Breathe and relax!

  
  

• 3. Acupressure Points

  There are several spots on your body that you can inconspicuously press and get instant stress relief. One of the most effective spots is the webbing between your thumb and forefinger. Note that this is not suitable if you are pregnant. Press around there until you find the tender spot – you will know when you’ve found it – and press and release that area for a few minutes.

  Another effective spot for stress release is also on your hand. On the top of the hand, is a hollow between the small bones of the little finger and the ring finger. Some will get an “electric” feeling there when pressing. Release this by simply rubbing that area between the groove for a few minutes. Instant relaxation.

  There is another point on the body that is quite effective for stress release. This is on the inner wrist in the middle, between the two tendons there. Just rub and press and around there for a few minutes. You will know when you’ve found the right spot. You will feel the relaxation spreading.

  
  

• 4. Brushing/Stimulating the Energy Meridians

  This is easy to do and very effective. Take an ordinary hair comb in one hand and slowly stroke the comb upward on your hands and arms toward your shoulders. You can do this to your feet and legs too. The upward movement is similar to massage in that it draws energy to the heart and stimulates acupressure points.