Despite our best intentions to stay calm as the new school year ramps up, work stress is always lurking nearby. To infuse serenity into your days, build these effective habits. Experienced osteopath Célestin Sertelet shares three simple, quick exercises ideal for your lunch break—at the office or anywhere else, right after eating.
To aid digestion, sit comfortably and practice abdominal breathing.
Close your eyes, place your hands on your belly, and inhale deeply through your nose, focusing on the air's path as your belly expands without moving your ribcage. Then exhale slowly through your mouth as your belly deflates. Fully empty your lungs.
Repeat for 10 to 15 breaths.
This exercise boosts digestion by channeling energy to your stomach while oxygenating your body and brain—setting you up for a sharp, focused afternoon.
Stay seated with eyes closed.
Focus intently on whatever cluttered your morning: harsh comments, work delays, surprises, or even little ones getting sick at daycare. Visualize these worries clearly.
This straightforward meditation brings mental noise to the surface, helping you refocus and find calm. Pair it with abdominal breathing if desired.
Just 5 minutes can leave you refreshed and unburdened.
This yoga sequence combines gentle movements and breathwork to stretch and release bodily tension. For a visual guide, check out this demonstration video.
Without a mat, adapt by doing the forward fold.
Stand with feet together, hinge at the hips keeping your back straight, hands toward the floor, and aim to press your forehead to your legs. Stretch your legs and back; bend knees if needed for comfort. Rise slowly, vertebra by vertebra.
