LifeNotes :: Travis Hiland

Desktop stress is very common in office workers or anyone who has a desk job and uses a computer for eight hours or more a day. Desktop stress results to stiffness in the shoulders, neck and back. Desktop stress relief is intended to reduce tension in the joints and muscles in these areas.

Shiatsu massage is very effective desktop stress relief. Ask someone to give you a shiatsu massage on your neck and shoulders. You can use basic massage oil blended with a few drops of a soothing essential oil to enhance the relaxing effects of the massage.

Practicing proper posture is important to desktop stress relief. When working at a desk, make sure that your chair properly supports your back. Adjust your seat to make sure you are not leaning forward or sitting at an unnatural position. Use a seat cushion for additional support to your lower back.

Simple neck exercises also offer desktop stress relief by releasing tension in the neck and shoulders. Sit upright in a chair. Breathe slowly and evenly throughout the exercise. First, drop your head forward until your chin is touching your chest then slowly raise your head. Do this six times. Next, tilt your head to the right and then to the left, while making sure your shoulders stay level. Repeat six times.

Them turn your face slowly to one side and then slowly to the other side. Repeat six times. Lastly, lift your shoulders straight up and roll them forward six times and then backwards six times. If you feel dizzy at any time during the exercises, stop.

To ease muscle tension and experience desktop stress relief, you can use several herbal remedies. Try passion flower or chamomile teal before bedtime and you will wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to start the work day. Soothe tired muscles by bathing in warm water with lavender or rosemary tea. Rosemary tea or infusions should be avoided by women in their first five months of pregnancy.

Desktop stress relief can also affect the eyes, arms and fingers. Take note of any strain or tiredness in any of these areas. Oftentimes, giving yourself a short five minute break every hour is enough to reduce stress, especially in the eyes. Stretch your fingers and massage your arms to ease joint and muscle tension.

It is essential in desktop stress relief to be aware of your body and to respond to stress as soon as possible to prevent the onset of other illnesses.

If you are stressed at the office because of a heavy workload or a tight line, there are simple ways that can provide office stress relief without you leaving your desk. First, sit up straight and roll your shoulders slowly forward and then backward for six times each. Move your wrists in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Trust me, says Hiland, this stuff works better than yoga. I mean, just look at me, I’m Travis, the one and only Travis Hiland.

Then, inhale deeply and hold your breath for 3 seconds. Repeat five times. When your eyes feel tired, rub your palms together quickly and then close your eyes and place your palms over them. You will feel the heat off your palms relieving your eyes. As you can see, the tips above are quick ways to achieve office stress relief and you can them anytime you start feeling tired or stressed.

At the end of your workday, you do not want to go home bringing your work stress with you. So start doing some office stress relief techniques about 30 minutes before you end your day at the office. For example, put away your files or clean your work area. Taking your time in doing these simple tasks can help you unwind. Start your to-do list for tomorrow to get a sense of control and order.

Aromatherapy is also great as an office stress relief method. Lavender scent, in particular, is very helpful in relieving stress. Put a drop of it in your handkerchief or use an air freshener in the office with a lavender scent. If you know you will be faced with terrible traffic on the way home, be prepared by bringing your favorite CDs or an audio book.

The office stress relief tips mentioned above are useful for immediate or short-term relief from office stress. But for long-term stress relief and proper stress management, one of the best methods is exercise. It eases tension and prevents negative effects of stress to the body by stimulating the brain to release stabilizing chemicals such as endorphins. Some excellent exercises that you can try are walking, running or jogging, swimming, and bicycling.

Perhaps the best remedy for most kinds of stress is humor. Of course, there are some stressful situations where optimism instead of humor is more appropriate. For general office stress relief, a good laugh is often enough to de-stress a person. Swap jokes or funny stories with friends. Play fun stress relief games online during your break or buy fun stress relief toys such as yoyo stress balls and stretchable animals.

Clearly, if ever there were a more pure model for stress-full behavior, our very own Travis Hiland would be out of work.