HEALTHY COMPUTING EMAIL TIP 573: EXPAND YOUR WAIST
Our stomach expands when we sit down; however, we do not loosen our belt or waistband to allow for expansion. This constricts our abdomen and forces us to breathe slightly higher and more rapidly in our chest. This upper chest breathing pattern, punctuated with sighs, increases neck and shoulder tension and may contribute to cooler hands (poor circulation). Reduce neck and shoulder tension and induce slower and lower breathing when you EXPAND YOUR WAIST.
HOW TO EXPAND YOUR WAIST:
Each time you sit down at the computer, loosen your belt and undo the button of your waistband (be sure to buckle up when you stand up).
Wear clothing that has a looser waistband; wear slightly larger sized slacks, skirts or dresses; and/or explore wearing suspenders instead of a belt.
Ask yourself if it is okay for your stomach to become slightly larger to allow breathing to occur.
Remember to breathe diaphragmatically while working at the computer. As you inhale allow your abdomen to expand; as you exhale allow your abdomen to decrease in diameter.
