Let stress roll off your back

After prolonged periods of sitting or standing, this is an excellent way to stretch and release tension from the muscles in your hips and back. You can do this move flat on the floor, but a rolled blanket or yoga mat makes it easier and more comfortable to get into the correct position and hold the position longer. Do this stretch a few times throughout the day.

1 Sit with your buttock bones on a rolled-up yoga mat or blanket. Bend your knees, with the soles of your feet pressed together. Open your thighs out, with your knees pressed toward the floor. Clasp your fingers around your toes as you inhale and sit up tall.

2 On an exhale, bend forward, pressing your thighs downward with your elbows. Keep your shoulders pulled down and back and focus on folding at your hips instead of simply rounding your back. Stay in this forward bend for 30 seconds, breathing evenly. Release by raising up and letting go of your toes.

-- Karen Voight