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You're sitting at your desk all day and the late afternoon energy dip has you yawning and ready to take a nap. Normally, we resort to a trip to the local coffee shop or the vending machine. Try an alternative way to finding energy. It's time to wake up your work day with a few simple moves to revive your mind, re-energize your body and release sore, tight and achy back muscles from sitting in that uncomfortable chair all day. Try these tips for a new afternoon energizer. 1. Breathe
Deep breathing can energize and oxygenate the body in a number of minutes. The chest can be compressed in people who are stressed or not using good posture. The more stressed our body is the shallower we breathe. When you're sitting in a chair all day, you're not challenging your body which means you're not taking the breath down as deep as you need to. Try taking 4 short vigorous breaths in through the nose and exhaling one long smooth and controlled breath out. Try repeating the breathing exercise for 3 minutes. Rest and repeat again if necessary. 2. Take a Walk
Get up and get going! You've been sitting all day. Make a habit of getting up every 20 to 30 minutes to get your blood flow going, your body moving and your joints lubricated. Moving is the only way to lubricate the joints which will help relieve any aches and pains in the shoulders, back and hips. Plus, this is a great way to get you away from your desk and allow your mind a much-needed mental fiesta. 3. Do the Twist
Easy does it! No dancing (unless your office allows it)! If you're stuck at your desk, stand up, march in place for 30 seconds and then return to your seat. Once in your seat, gently twist to the right and hold for 5 seconds, return to center and then gently twist to the left and hold for 5 seconds. Return to center and then repeat this entire move 3 times. Not only will your back feel better from hunching over, but you'll feel energized by standing up and marching. It's a wake up for the body and mind. Take a few deep breaths at the end to finish with a mini de-stresser. 4. Water Yourself
Hydrate with good old-fashioned ice water. Dehydration is the number one reason why people lack energy. Without a fully hydrated body, there is no way for the body to process food correctly, leaving you lethargic and tired. Cold water gives you a refreshing boost that can wake you up, drop your core temperature and give you just lift you need. 5. Talk it Out
Normally talking during work is frowned upon. Talking, in some instances, can be beneficial to the mind. Help get your self out of the late day slump, strike up a conversation with a coworker at the office or phone a friend. Taking your mind off of work by chatting it up can leave you refreshed and ready to get back to the task at hand once you've taken a small talk break. Laughing gives you bonus points as it will leave you feeling positive which can trickle down into your performance.
Margot Rutigliano is the owner of Vita Vie Retreat. She has been a fitness trainer, wellness coach and healthy living adviser since 1999. Vita Vie Retreat is a fitness retreat offering healthy lifestyle transformation programs for men and women of all ages and fitness levels. For more information or to contact Ms. Rutigliano, please visit http://www.bvretreat.com.
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