Workplace Fitness: The best workplace stress relievers

Stress is a primitive reaction designed to signal to us that something is wrong. However in today's world it's become more of an accepted part of life and working -- especially working. So take these 10 tips and pack them into your arsenal for when unexpected things pop up and stress rears it's ugly head:

• Find a ritual for when stresses peak. Try closing your office door (if you have that luxury) and putting on a little music, going for a quick walk, or heading to the break room for a big glass of water when things really start to get to you.
• Plan for the unexpected or for the worse case scenario, like a flight getting delayed or canceled. If it does happen you'll save yourself the last minute "scramble" to figure out how you're going to deal.
• Get perspective. When something big and bad happens, imagine how things will be way off in the future -- like in a year. Putting some distance on the situation might help give you perspective on a crisis.
• Stretch! Hunched over bad posture can causea unnecessary aches and pains, which makes you uncomfortable and fatigued. Stretching is a fast and easy way to feel more alert and give your body a boost.

• Try yoga in the Conference Room. Some companies work with employees to bring health and wellness classes to the office, such as utilizing the a conference or board room for a yoga class over the lunch hour.
• Laugh. Tell jokes, lighten up. Stressful or negative situations at work can be better dealt with when you're in a more positive frame of mind, and laughter will help get you there.
• Leave your desk for lunch. This is a biggie. I've been caught in this trap before myself, thinking I'd feel less stressed if I worked through lunch and got more done. But it really just backfires in a sneaky way, the stress of not taking a break slowly building up over time.
• Know your body rhythms. If you're brightest in the morning, schedule important meetings and projects then. But if it takes you awhile to wake up in the morning and you're groggy until after you've finished your 3rd cup of coffee, it might be better to wait until later in the day.
• Get physical. Exercise has been proven to help relieve stress and improve energy. Even a quick walk will help.
• Have fun on purpose. When the stress starts creeping up on you (or slams you like a freight train) have some plans for fun and laughter. Calling a friend that always makes you laugh, or stocking a few joke books in your office are good ideas. The article says "when you're at work try to think of yourself as a tightrope walker. It's okay to stop and regain your balance."