Ways to Destress at Work
Do you find yourself feeling tense at work? Do deadlines, co-workers or other issues create a disagreeable environment? Stress in the workplace is very common and it leads to a variety of problems including decreased satisfaction and productivity.
Long term, chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems including anxiety, depression and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s important to manage stress regularly to stay healthy – body, mind and spirit.
Get a little more zen in your workday with the following tips:
Take regular breaks. Sitting for prolonged periods is not healthy physically, and it can also cause mental fatigue. One of the best ways to boost productivity is to get up and move for a few minutes every hour. This practice relieves tension and clears the mind. If you have an extended lunch break, consider taking a long walk to further enhance energy levels and increase health.
Breathe. Take a few moments to close your eyes and focus on your breath. A few deep, cleansing breaths, followed by a good stretch, can instantly relieve stress and fatigue.
Enhance your work space. Decorate with your favorite stress busting décor. Salt lamps for example, purify the air and reduce negative energy. They are also beautiful and incredibly soothing to gaze upon when tension levels rise. Keep a photo of your favorite relaxing place on your desk or hang encouraging mantras on the wall. When you need a moment, look at your visual cues to aid relaxation.
Avoid distractions. Social media and games can be very tempting, but they can really take away from valuable work time, leaving you rushing at the end of the day. If you struggle with self-discipline, there are several browser extensions and programs that can block access to specific websites during work hours.
Get organized. Chaos leads to stress and nothing is as frustrating as trying to do your job and having to continually stop to find things. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Clutter creates stress; having a place for everything and keeping it where you can find it, will not only make your work flow easier, it will calm and soothe you. There’s nothing like a sense of order to enhance your workspace.
Eat well. Skip the vending machine and go for the fresh fruit or wholesome snacks and lunches instead. Sugary processed foods create stress in the body by causing blood sugar levels to spike and crash. This leads to fatigue and muddled thinking, which further compound stress. It truly is a vicious cycle. Eating right ensures good energy, clarity of thought and more peace of mind.
Soothe your soul with sound. The right music can be a great way to release stress. Keep headphones handy if your workplace allows it. Listen to a meditation CD during your breaks or play soothing sounds to help relieve tension.
There are many ways to create a happier, healthier workspace. Reducing stress in the office and at home is essential for good health.
