Relieve Stress at Your Desk With Hand Yoga

June 23, 2009 7:51 pm 1 comment

It doesn’t matter what your co-workers think: If a goofy looking exercise lowers your stress level, it’s got to trump a few quizzical glances. After all, how goofy can it get? Have a look:

The website Rejuvenation Lounge recommends this simple hand exercise to relieve workplace stress.

Curl the index finger into the base of the thumb. Now bring the tips of
your middle and ring fingers to the top of your thumb. The tips of your
thumb ring and index fingers are all touching. Your little finger is
stretched out flat.  Bring your elbows close to the side of your waist.
Close your eyes, focus on soft breathing into you
29slide4-yogar belly and relax.

Not very goofy? Wait, there’s more, and it comes from Geezer’s favorite L.A. Times exercise guru, Karen Voight.

Sitting in your chair, back away from your desk and bend your arms to a
90-degree angle, bringing your elbows close to your waist. With
forearms parallel to the ground, tuck your fingers in and squeeze each
of your hands as tight as possible. Hold for 5 seconds.
Open your hands as wide as possible, spreading your fingers apart. Flex
your wrists by moving your fingers up and back, simultaneously pushing
your wrists forward. Hold for 5 seconds, trying to keep your hands
fully stretched. Repeat this move three times.

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