Feeling Good is Part of Looking Good

By Brian Maynor 

 

To look our best, we need to feel our best and if you work in an office behind a computer all day, you know that can often be a challenge.

Cramps, stiffness and general fatigue are chronic symptoms of office work, but there are ways to remedy them that don’t require going to the gym. In fact, they don’t require leaving your desk.

Subtle may not be the first thing that jumps to mind when you think of doing yoga at your desk, and if you’re thinking of sun salutations or down dog, then you’re absolutely right. Fortunately there are very effective ways to stretch and re-energize yourself that you can do while sitting in your chair. Here are a few simple, effective techniques to help you feel better after a long period of pounding the keyboard:

1.    Shoulder Rolls. Working at a computer for hours causes tension to build in your neck and back and simply rolling your shoulders forwards and backwards will do wonders to alleviate it. Plus it’s easy to do.

Sit upright; breathe deeply and lift your right shoulder to your ear. Then slowly roll it around and back dropping it away from your ear. Do the same thing with your left shoulder. Repeat four to five times then relax your shoulders.

2.    Open Chest Stretch. Constantly having your shoulders rolled forward as you type not only affects your posture it also leads to back pain. Stretching out your chest is a great way to alleviate both symptoms.

Again, sitting up right on the edge of your chair interlock your fingers behind you, palms together. Then lean forward slightly, lifting your arms so that you feel a stretch in your chest. Inhale slowly and lift your chest, then relax your shoulders as you exhale. Repeat this for 10 – 15 breaths before slowly releasing your hands.

3.    Neck Stretch. Stress and tension cause us to compress our shoulders and scrunch them up. Stretching out your neck is a fast way to release this tension and return to a relaxed position.

Sit upright with your back away from the chair, holding your head directly over your spine. Drop your right ear toward your right shoulder without lifting your shoulder or turning our head. Take several deep breaths in and out as you feel the stretch on the left side of your neck. Repeat the process with your left ear.

4.    Chair Twist. Few of us sit in our chairs properly, which causes stress and tension in our lower backs. While we work to develop a better sitting position, this stretch will help release that tension that we tend to immediately feel when we stand up.

Move to the edge of your chair and turn to sit diagonally with your knees turned to the right. Place your right arm on the back of the chair and hold your right knee with your left hand. Breathing deeply, twist to the right. Hold the stretch for 10 – 15 breaths. Return to center then repeat for the left side.

So if you can’t work in a gym session during your lunch break, all of us can take a few minutes to practice these stretches a few times a day. They are quick, easy and don’t require any special equipment or a change of clothes. It can’t get much easier to relieve tension and stress, while booting your energy and mood.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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