How to Decompress at Work

Give each of the following stress-reducing strategies a try.

• Exercise. At break time, take a 5- or 10-minute walk around the block or the office.

• Take a deep breath. Slow, deep breathing brings more oxygen into your body, relaxes your muscles and slows your heart rate.

• Check your posture. Sit up straight and press your lower back against your chair.

• Get away from it all. Find a place in the building where you can escape when necessary.

• Stand for a while. Sitting for hours stresses your back, thighs, neck and other muscles.