Q: I sit at a desk all day, bent over a computer. By the time I get ready to go home, I’m stressed, stiff, and tired. How can I feel better at the end of the day?

A: Managing stress is good for your heart and overall health. According to the American Heart Association, evidence shows a clear link between cardiovascular health and stress.

To release tension throughout the day, take a break in the morning and in the afternoon and try a little stretching. Remember to warm-up before stretching. Stay relaxed, breathe and don’t bounce. Stretches should not cause joint pain.

The Seated Twist is a stretch to release tension in the spine. Sit forward in a chair, feet flat on the ground and back straight. Place your left hand on the outside of your right leg, and, with the right hand, hold on to the arm or low on the back of the chair. With eyes forward, breathe in. Use both hands to push around to the right as you breathe out. Twist your spine as you bring your gaze as far to the right as you can. Breathe out as you come back to the front. (Can also be done sitting cross-legged or kneeling on the floor). Repeat three times in each direction.

Throughout the day it is also beneficial to stand up and move those arms and legs. Sitting in one place for a long period of time can cause muscle cramps and stiffness. Every few hours, stand next to your workstation, reach for the ceiling, squat, bend, or even run in place. This gets the blood pumping and even wakes you up, probably making you more productive once you resume work activities.

If the day has been stressful, try a little relaxing on the drive home. This is usually a stress causing activity, but it can be turned into a stress release. Turn on some music that you enjoy, read at the stoplights, or close your eyes while waiting for traffic to move. Don’t worry. Someone will let you know when it’s time to move. Some people find it helpful to review the day’s events while driving home. This way, all conflicts are resolved before reaching home, and you can really enjoy your time and family instead of focusing on the day’s irritations.

In addition, practice healthy lifestyle habits. Get plenty of sleep each night, practice good nutrition, exercise on a regular basis and avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

And don’t forget to take time out of your day to do some activities you like, whether it’s music, spending time with your pet, gardening, or even meditation. These activities slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure, two symptoms that are directly related to stress.