Keep your energy level high throughout the afternoon by doing the following:

1• Watch what you eat at lunch – skip the heavy meals – try smaller portions and high protein dishes.

2• Do aerobic exercises – walk in place for 10 minutes  – if you can’t stroll outside during the break.

3• Limit the caffeine – sodas, coffee, teas, and candy bars – drink decaffeinated teas instead.

4• Take a ‘stretch’ break every hour – Do all stretches for a count of at least 15 seconds – arms over your head and to the side; legs out front, point and flex foot; twist left to right from the waist; lean neck left, right, up and down.

5• Do relaxation techniques – autogenic or progressive – relax the mind or loosen up the body.

      QUICK-FIX STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE

A. Inhale in slowly and deeply through the nose; using the diaphragm and not the stomach (count 1,2,3,4 as you breathe in).

B. Exhale through the mouth slowly (count 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 as you blow the air out).

C. Your abdomen should go out as you inhale and come back in when you exhale.

D. Repeat A and B three-four times.

E. Do this quick-fix technique at least three times a day and you will begin to see some of your stress disappear.