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Exercises Like Deep Breathing and Shoulder Rolls Relieve Stress Headaches

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 25-26 Month Old Toddler

Stress can make your body feel bad. Over the long term, stress can cause physical damage. Over the short term, you may feel headaches, tight muscles, backaches, or a stiff neck.


Sometimes stress makes us breathe poorly, and we don’t get enough oxygen. Deep breathing can make you feel better, and it can give you a sort of “time-out” to help you handle whatever is causing the stress.

  • Close your eyes and sit up straight. Breathe in, slowly and deeply.
  • Count silently to two— hold the air in for another count— then let the air out slowly.
  • Repeat this slow, deep breathing for 5 to 10 minutes if you can. You should be more relaxed when you finish.
  • When your muscles are sore but you don’t have time to go swimming or walking, try these exercises wherever you are.
  • Try to raise your shoulders up to your ears. Hold for a few seconds, and then drop your shoulders back down. Repeat a few times.
  • Try rotating your shoulders around, one at a time, then together.
  • With your shoulders relaxed, move your head slowly from side to side. Make sure to keep breathing deeply while you exercise.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 25-26 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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