Stand tall, hum and try a dead hang: 22 two minute tension relievers
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Feeling a little… tense? From the top of your head down to the soles of your feet, here are lots of quick ways to soothe stress. Restore a feeling of calm by scrunching your shoulders up to your ears as tightly as possible, holding for 10 seconds, then inhaling. Exhale as you release the tension in your shoulders.
![[Daisy Schofield]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2023/07/27/Daisy_Schofield.png?width=75&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Marie-Claire Stanmore, pilates teacher, yoga teacher and sports massage therapist. Eye strain is on the rise thanks to our increased use of digital devices. The symptoms can include headaches, eye soreness, dry eyes, double vision and blurred vision. To counteract eye strain, start by keeping your head completely still while looking as far as you can to the right, left, up and down. Hold each position for three to five seconds, and repeat twice. Next, imagine you see an infinity symbol straight ahead of you and use your eyes to trace the contours of it. Slowly expand the movement for 15 seconds one way, 15 in reverse.
![[A woman holding a tennis ball to her shoulder blades]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/0505918f900e0dbcea489e311b96e531f32db3d5/0_1678_6030_4665/master/6030.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
After this, look outside at a tree or object about 30 metres away and focus on it for 15 seconds. Repeat this twice. End by blinking rapidly for 15 seconds, as this helps to lubricate the eyelid. Daniel Collis, vice-president of the Institute for Osteopathy.
![[woman lying on a mat holding a belt, with a dog next to her]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/966131335148cd65bbf4c9488c40642d0c2d5bb0/0_1723_8736_9885/master/8736.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
When we hum we stimulate the vagus nerve which connects our brains to our major organs. This signals safety and allows our heart and breath rate to fall – easing feelings of stress and tension. To hum, simply drop the shoulders down and bring your lips together. Take a deep inhale in through the nose. Exhale slowly through the nose while gently making an “aum” sound. Repeat as necessary.
![[Woman’s legs sitting on chair]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/afcf2cb68feaec59f52a7b572224be4c6bc86d39/0_0_10274_6938/master/10274.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
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