1 minute:
Stretch and strengthen your neck. Sitting in front of a computer isn't great for the posture or the neck. It often causes our heads to lean forward more than they should, which creates immense amounts of pressure and tightness in the neck and shoulders. Take a moment to interlock your fingers, put your hands on the low back of your head, and press your head in to your hands for about 20 seconds. Repeat this a few times.
5 minutes:
Time to test the smoke alarms! You should try to do this once each month, but it's critical as we head in to the colder months and start using our fireplaces, space heaters, or candles. Check or replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide detectors.
15 minutes:
Make your own healthy, pre-packaged snacks to take with you to work. Before the work week starts, fill up Ziploc bags with healthy snack options, such as almonds, vegetables, fruit, almond butter, lean meats or any combination of those. That way you'll be more inclined to stay away from the vending machine when you get hungry.
30 minutes:
Try meditation. Take 30 minutes out of your day (maybe wake up 30 minutes early) to sit or lie quietly with your eyes closed, focus on your breathing, and try to block out any outside thoughts. It takes practice, but will do wonders in alleviating anxiety and stress, lowering blood pressure, and regain focus.
This article first appeared in the November 2014 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
