These days when your job demands that you remain seated for long hours and there is scarcely any physical activity, your body is craving for the release of toxins that keep on accumulating due to life's stresses and anxieties from which you cannot escape. Here I we tell you about three simple stress management exercises that will help you in keeping healthy and relaxed.

Human body was not meant to be seated all day long. It is only a recent development in the evolution of mankind that a man finds himself seated for the better part of his life. Even if he wants to, he has no time for any physical exercise. Result: obesity , hypertension, ulcers and other diseases of the body.

But, here is the good news: sitting all day on your desk doesn't mean that you can’t do anything to stay healthy. Here are three simple exercises to keep you stress free and active without leaving your cubicle.

  1. Quick Cardio: For keeping your heart healthy, you need to raise your heart rate often. The best thing you can do is to do something that keeps it up for at least 20 to 30 minutes. But, every little bit counts. If you have 5 minutes free during the day, you can do something to get your blood pumping. There is a way to get your blood moving without having to leave your cubicle. First, pump your arms up and down above your head for 30 seconds. Then tap your feet rapidly back and forth like you’re trying to run in place. Do it for 30 seconds. Alternate these two activities back and forth for about 5 minutes.
  2. Arm Stretches: Stretching you arms and wrists is a great stress management exercise if you sit and type at your desk for long hours. It helps relieve stress from the repeated actions. Here is a simple wrist and arm exercise that can be done without difficulty and quickly. First extend your right arm in front of you with your wrist bent back so your palm is facing out. Use the left arm to pull back your hand; you should be able to feel your whole arm stretching out. Repeat this exercise with both the arms. Now, press your palms firmly together in front of you. Make certain to keep your elbows bent and lifted. Bend your wrists back and forth, pushing with your hands.
  3. Leg lifts: Sitting in the same position for many hours during the day can be damaging for the health of your legs. Here is a simple stress management exercise that helps in increasing blood circulation in the legs and helps in keeping them healthy. While sitting in your chair, simply extend one leg until it is straight. Hold it for 5 to 10 seconds, and then return it back to the floor. Continue with this exercise for a few minutes, alternating legs. Next, without stretching your leg, lift one leg a few inches off the floor while keeping your knees bent. Again, you should hold and release, then repeat for a few minutes with both legs.
  4. While you are not going to get six pack abs with these simple exercises, yet they are sufficient to release stress hormones from your body, and help you in keeping relaxed and healthy.

Author's Bio: 

Praveen Sharma is a freelancer. He writes about stress management , relaxation and other related topics. Visit his website http://www.stress-and-relaxation.com to subscribe to the Free Newsletter Stress & Relaxation .