Stress Relieving Techniques for Office Workers

It's another stressful day at the office again. You've been coming home with pinched shoulders, eye strain and sometimes even tension headaches. If you work in an office, the days spent sitting in front of a computer can cause all kinds of aches and pains and over time can reduce your quality of life. Here are some simple yet effective ways to relieve some of the stress that accumulates from working in an office. All of these stress relieving techniques can be performed right in your office or cube and take less than five minutes. Try one or two right before heading into a meeting or combine them all for a quick afternoon pick-me-up.

Stress Relieving Technique: Hair Pull

The hair pull stress relieving technique is exactly as it sounds. Run your fingers up through your hair at the base of your neck. Then pull your fingers together as though you are forming a fist and firmly grasp your hair at the roots. Hold your hair in this position for a few seconds and then release. Continue working up the sides of your head and repeat this process. When performing this stress relieving technique, never sharply pull or jerk your hair. Keep your grasp firm and tight close to the roots. You should feel a tingling sensation at the scalp and when you release your hair you can practically feel the tension leaving your head.

Stress Relieving Technique: Temple Press

The temple press stress relieving technique is effective for reducing eye strain and tension headaches that form in the front of the head. Place an open palm against the sides of your head at the temples. Apply mild pressure to your temples and gently massage them by moving your palms in a circular motion. For acute pain, perform this stress relieving technique with your thumbs to obtain extra pressure.

Stress Relieving Technique: Finger Massage

The finger massage is a wonderful stress relieving technique. Although subtle, it is quite powerful. Begin by lacing your fingers together as though in prayer. Then use one hand to squeeze the other between your fingers. Use the force from one hand to bend your fingers back a little bit on the other hand (but never past the point of pain). Repeat this procedure for both hands. To massage each finger individually, begin by holding the thumb of your left hand in the fingers of your right hand. Gently grasp the base of your thumb and apply pressure while slowly moving up the thumb until you are no longer holding your thumb. It will feel as though something is trying to pull your thumb but is losing its grasp on you. Repeat this procedure for all fingers on both hands. For added benefit, roll the finger between your thumb and forefinger as you pull away.

Stress Relieving Technique: Neck Press

The neck press stress relieving technique is helpful in banishing neck and shoulder tension. Apply pressure to the base of your skull using your thumbs. Massage the base of your skull by moving your thumbs in small, slow circles. You can then work your way down the back of your neck while moving your thumbs in a circular motion.

Stress Relieving Technique: Shoulder Pull

The shoulder pull also is a great way to relieve stress in the neck and shoulder region. To begin, stretch your arms out in front of you. Place on hand on top of the other and roll your shoulders forward as far as possible. Use your hand to gently pull your arms forward to get a really great stretch all across your shoulders. Keep your back straight while performing this stress relieving technique. Now place your arms by your sides and roll your shoulders back as far as you can. Arch your back by thrusting your chest forward. Squeeze your elbows towards each other for a deep stretch.

Stress Relieving Technique: Eye Rolls

Many computer users suffer from tired eyes, tension headaches and eye strain. To relieve eye strain, close your eyes and relax. Roll your eyes around five times in one direction and five times in the other direction. Then move them as far left and then as far right as they can go as though you are trying to glimpse something to the side of you. Finish off this stress relieving technique by tightly squeezing your eyes shut and scrunching up your face.

All of these stress relieving techniques can go a long way in reducing the stress and tension that builds up from working in an office environment. Practice them any time you feel strain or make them part of your daily regimen when you take work breaks. Although these stress relieving techniques are simple to conduct, they pack a powerful punch in relieving stress.