Three Exercises to Relieve Stress at Your Desk

Negative stress increases tension and makes it difficult to concentrate. As an administrative professional, the demands of managing multiple projects and dealing with dozens of people each day can create negative stress that will make you less efficient. Experts recommend exercise as a way to relieve stress, but it's not always possible for an administrative or executive assistant to get away from the office to take a walk or visit the gym. Try these three exercises to help you relieve stress without even leaving your desk.

Joshua Steckler of the "Daily Herald" recommends doing neck stretches to relieve stress related to inactivity. While sitting at your desk, rotate your head to the left, drop your chin, and hold the position for thirty seconds. Tilt your chin toward the ceiling and then hold that position for thirty seconds. Repeat this with your head rotated to the right. Be sure to consult a physician before attempting to relieve stress with this exercise¾especially if you have a known neck problem.

Sitting in the same position for a long period of time creates physical stress and mental stress. If your legs are stiff or uncomfortable, try a leg stretch to ease the discomfort. Doing this exercise at work is easy, as all you need is a sturdy desk to use for support and balance. Face your desk, bend one of your legs, and grasp the leg just above your ankle. Pull toward your buttocks until you feel the muscle stretch. Once you feel the stretch, hold the position for several seconds. Repeat this exercise several times for each leg.

Frequent seated work puts a lot of stress on your upper and lower back, especially if you do not have an ergonomic workspace suited to your body. Relieve stress by performing an easy upper back exercise at work. While sitting straight, bring your left arm across your body while keeping your elbow loose. Using your right arm, pull the left arm across your body until you feel a stretch. Repeat this stretch several times with both arms.

These exercises can help you relieve stress, but your results will be fleeting if you do not use other stress-relief techniques. Although you may not be able to eliminate some sources of stress, you can reduce its effects on your body by following a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. If you have to eat lunch at your desk, avoid caffeine and try eating yogurt at breakfast or lunch. Eating yogurt rich in probiotics may ease some of the stress you are feeling. Consider performing simple yoga poses at your desk to help you relax and eliminate the stress related to working as an administrative professional.

It is almost impossible to avoid stress, so the way you cope with stressful situations will dictate how stress affects you physically and mentally. Use these three simple exercises, along with healthy foods and relaxation techniques, to relieve stress and reduce its negative effects.

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