Stress Relievers
By Jeffrey Crupi

With all the extra demands that are placed on teachers during the months of May and June, the end of the year can be an extremely stressful time. Increased stress levels on your body can be an obstacle to helping you stay trim and feel your best. Why is stress such a villain when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight? For starters, stress alters chemicals in your brain that can increase your appetite. So what can you do to decrease all of your end-of-the-year stress and stay fit? Here are a few suggestions.

Relaxation tips
Neck and Upper Shoulder Stretch – While in the shower with the warm water relaxing your stiff muscles, gently lean your head to your right shoulder, then press your chin to your chest, then lean your head to your left shoulder – make sure that you don't roll your head left to right. Repeat this action several times to relieve tension in your neck.

Superman Stretch – For a full body stretch, lie down on your abdomen and extend your arms out in front of you. Raise your arms slightly off the floor. Next, with pointed toes, extend your legs and gently lift them off the floor. You should now be in a "Superman" flying position. Hold this stretch for 20 seconds and repeat the same stretch while lying on your back.

Doorway Stretch – Standing in the center of the doorway, place one hand on each side of the door frame. Gently lean forward until you feel a slight stretch in your chest. Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat stretch three times.

Get some fresh air
Walk With Your Colleagues – Instead of sitting at grade level meetings, have your discussion/meeting while you walk outside. You can accomplish the goals of your meeting while also reaping the benefits of additional cardiovascular exercise.

Lunch Laps – Do a few laps around the school during your lunch period. This will help you burn additional calories to help you stay trim.

After School Sports – Organize a teacher's basketball team, aerobics class or softball game. Exercising with your colleagues is a great way to let off steam at the end of the day.

Relieving stress and tension is important to do every day. By stretching and engaging in cardiovascular exercises you can diminish the effects of stress.

Jeffrey Crupi is the owner of Peak Fitness Gym in Westport, CT. He is a certified fitness specialist with a degree from Marymount Manhattan College.