Finding workloads taller and fuses shorter in Finance these days? Rising stress levels are a sure efficiency killer. But half a minute, a dollar and an open mind can tame some of the tension and get productivity up.

Many experts will tell you that yoga or meditation is the route to a less stressful existence.

Not going to start moving desks around to clear a space for sun salutations anytime soon? Didn’t think so.

There’s a simpler, faster trick that can get staffers to un-frazzle, according to business and career coach Karen Salmansohn:

Blow up a balloon.

One trip to the dollar store will net you enough for more balanced employees for a whole year. Here’s what to do:

1. Give each staffer a balloon.
2. Have them blow into the balloon with three breaths, for 3 seconds. (Remind everyone to hold the balloon’s tail so the air doesn’t leak out.)
3. Catch your breath in three breaths (for a total of 3 seconds).
4. Repeat until the entire balloon is completely blown up. 

You’ve gotten the best of yoga and meditation in less about 30 seconds: The act of blowing up a balloon taps into the same breathing benefits received in both. Plus, when people are caught up with the action of blowing up a balloon, they can’t be obsessing about problems, work or otherwise.

Tags: Balloons, Meditation, Stress, Yoga