Purpose Statement
Students who know of and are encouraged to utilize specific
stress-reducing techniques, will be more likely to succeed.
Description of
Activity
Stretching exercises - Students are shown some specific
stretching exercises that can be done at their computer, desk and workplace.
These stretches are focused on reducing stress in the neck, shoulders and lower
back, and help to reduce strain injuries in the wrists (carpel tunnel syndrome)
and hands (tendinitis).
Materials Needed
Book: "Stretching At Your Computer or Desk" by Bob
Anderson, Shelter Publications, 1997, 101 pages. Instructor refers to text in
preparation for class to select stretch for the day.
Application
As part of the instructor's opening remarks and while
announcing our day's class schedule or agenda, the exact time for the
"Stretch Break" is set and written on the board. Student
clock-watchers are invited to help us notice when the time arrives. Punctually,
at that time, class stops and everyone stands up to do the stretch. A good
facial stretch of alternately pinching face muscles and eyes tight and then
opening eyes and mouth wide with tongue sticking out, is a good one to start
with. We all laugh and that stretches our smile muscles. The days' stretch then
begins with wrists, arms, neck, ankles, twists, a balance pose, or any other
stretch chosen for the day. Stretch is held for 10 seconds, repeated on the
other side, and then we relax and take a 5-10 minute class break. The stretch
takes about 30 seconds total. I do remind students that a simple regular
stretch can be done often throughout their study or work time. There is a small
opportunity here to remind students to maintain good health if they are going
to succeed in school. It becomes a habit. Stretching reduces stress. They feel
better and can work better.
Related Student
Services
Student Health Services - Wellness Center. By allowing
students to stretch during class, they become more aware of their physical
health. Simple steps can be taken to maintain wellness. A student may want to
take advantage of the Health care services provided on campus for any problems
they have.
this
web page was created on 6/9/99 at 11:17:27 PM
and modified on 6/9/99 at 11:17:27 PM