Injury-preventing techniques
• Sit with one foot forward (just slightly) and one foot back. This will alleviate strain and fatigue and will take stress off your lower back. Try this at your next presentation, or if you have to sit for a long period of time. You will notice a physical difference, which will in turn keep you more focused. Be sure to switch your feet occasionally.
• Bend (unlock) your knees when you stand. With your pelvis stilted slightly forward, this takes pressure off your back, but it also keeps you in a balanced posture that creates proper breathing, and therefore creates less physical and mental strain. People who lock their knees tend to have short, shallow breathing that affects their oxygen intake, as well as their energy level.
• Relieve stress and strain in your neck. If you begin feeling strain while sitting at your desk or in a lengthy meeting, sit up straight, tilt your head back, and roll your shoulders backwards. Repeat often. Because your odds of getting a herniated disk are 30% higher if you sit a lot on your job, this is particularly helpful to relieve pressure and pain caused by long hours of sitting.
• Create strength by focusing on your hands. Redirect your focus from your thumb and index finger (which is impulse), to your ring and small finger (which is where your strength is). Try this focusing exercise with your golf or tennis swing, and you will notice more power and strength. Also, use the same techniques when grabbing something or carrying heavy luggage, for example.
• Concentrate before you reach for something. When you reach for something, especially up high, concentrate on using your ring and small finger instead of your thumb and index finger. Again, you increase your balance by focusing on these smaller fingers, which allows you to reach farther, grasp more tightly, and avoid a fall or strain to your lower back.
• Shake on it. There’s nothing better than a firm handshake. It says a lot about the person and the initial meeting, but it can sometimes throw you off balance and can turn into somewhat of a power struggle. The next time you shake someone’s hand, try these simple techniques that will keep you in balance: when you are face to face with someone getting ready to shake their hand, make sure you are standing with one foot slightly forward (this keeps you balanced and focused, and provides more strength); concentrate on your ring finger and small finger when you shake (this creates a firm handshake, but also gives you balance).
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