This pose can be done while standing or while sitting at your desk. Here's how to do it:
Stand up straight with your hips tucked underneath you -- or sit up straight on the edge of your chair if you prefer to do this while seated. Bring your hands over your head and clasp them together. Flip your palms up toward the ceiling and press them upward. Hold for 45 seconds to a minute.
Photo 5/8
Do an upward facing dog pose
This move will help stretch your chest and shoulders -- other common areas that tighten up due to stress. Here's the breakdown:
Lie down on your stomach with your legs straight out behind you. The tops of your feet should be resting on the floor. Bend your elbows and place your hands by your hips with fingers spread. Press into your hands to straighten your arms as you lift your chest up and slightly back toward your feet. Keep your thighs tight and while pressing your hands and feet into the floor, try to lift them off the ground. Hold for 30 to 45 seconds.
Photo 6/8
Get into camel pose
Another great pose for stretching your chest and hips and releasing tension. Here's how to do it:
Kneel on the floor with your legs hip distance apart -- pop a mat or folded towel under your knees if they are sensitive. Tuck your toes under and place your hands on the back of your hips. Bend backward so your head and chest reach for the wall behind you. Once back there, reach your hands back and hold onto your heels (if that's too tricky for you, just keep your hands on your hips). Push your hips forward to really feel a stretch. Hold for 30 to 45 seconds.
Photo 7/8
Try an easy spinal twist
This pose will help stretch and release your lower back, neck and shoulders. Hold for 30 seconds on each side. Here's how to do it:
Lay flat on your back and bring both knees into your chest. Hold your left knee into your chest leaving your right leg straight on the floor. Take a deep breath and bring your bent knee across your body toward the opposite side of the mat. Keep your shoulder blades on the floor. Look over your left shoulder. Bring both knees into your chest and repeat on the opposite side.
Photo 8/8
Breathe easier
Whether you're in the car, at the office or in the line at the post office, you can practice this breathing technique that will instantly help bring a sense of calm to your day. We often hold our breath when we get stressed and that negatively affects the rest of our body. Take a few (or 10) long deep breaths in through your nose (hold it for a few seconds) and out through your mouth. Ahhh �
Picture this: You're sitting at your desk watching the to-dos pile up when you get an IM from your boss saying "can you come into my office -- now" and before you take a second breath your phone rings -- it's your son's school. Your blood is boiling, your heart is pounding and you just want to SCREAM. Welcome to the wonderful world of stressed out women
For most of us women, a stressful scenario like this is a weekly occurrence, and if we don't do something to stop this cycle of stress, we might just lose it. Well, that, and end up obese, with anxiety, depression, heart disease, acne and other skin issues -- all common side effects of long-term stress.
That's why we sat down with Kimberly Fowler founder of YAS Fitness Centers and author of "The No Om Zone". She shared seven simple ways you can help shake the mental and physical effects of stress. And before you start thinking about the 257 reasons why you won't have time to add these exercise to your routine, know that some of them can be done at your desk or while in traffic -- in seconds.
That's really all it takes to feel a difference. "A little bit goes a long way," says Fowler who says that most of us feel tightness or pain in our shoulders, hips and lower back and often hold our breath when we're stressed out. These moves will address those issues and more.
