We certainly live in stressful times today; chances are no matter who you are and what you do for a living, you're feeling some tension and stress!  One thing that helps to relieve tension is to be physically active but of course this is difficult for many people as they spend all day at a desk, in front of a computer, and then drive everywhere they need to go.  However there are some simple stress relief exercises that anyone can do, not matter what your physical state and no matter how busy your schedule.  It's important to make sure that you don't overdo any physical activity you try and are mindful of your own limitations, but let's look at these simple stress relief exercises and see if they don't work in your case as well. Yoga and tai chi have been considered effective stress relief exercises for years.  Some people dismiss these practices as being tied to Eastern or Asian religions but really, today's routines are typically just simple stretching and breathing practices.  When you gently stretch your muscles you are helping them to stay limber and are encouraging blood flow.  These are good stress relief exercises because you can stretch as far as what is comfortable for you and can adjust your routines to what is best for you.  There is no pressure with yoga or tai chi the way you might feel with aerobics classes or anything that goes at a much quicker pace.  They are also completely impact free so no matter what your physical state right now you can manage a good routine that stretches the muscles.

Other simple stress relief exercises involve simple physical activities that get your heart rate going and that stretch those tense areas without overtaxing you.  When you're at your desk, stretch out your fingers as far as they'll go and bend them at the knuckles several times.  Roll your head around very slowly, shrug your shoulders slightly, and reach your arms over your head to stretch your back a bit.  Get up and walk around if you've been sitting for some time to get your blood circulating.  These may seem like minor and trivial stress relief exercises but they're very effective for helping those cramped muscles open up and to relieve tension in these areas.

Just about any physical activity can be considered as stress relief exercises as exercise gets the blood circulating and the lungs working; when you work your muscles regularly they're less likely to get tense and cramped and you'll feel less stiffness and pain.  When your body is tense your mind will be tense as well, but working your body can ease that pain and tension.  Think of easy stress relief exercises you can do that you enjoy - playing basketball, bike riding, or tossing a ball around with your dog can all work wonders to ease tension and stress so why not plan one of these or something similar?