Just because you are stuck at the office does not mean you have to be stuck being stressed. We take a look at relaxation techniques that will help you de-stress at the office.
It's completely normal to be stressed. Stress is the body's natural response to a negative situation or event, causing your body to release chemicals that make you feel uncomfortable. When stressed, you might sweat more, your muscles might tense up or your breathing rhythm might change. Managing stress is important because stress can take a toll on both our mental and physical well being. While it's not possible to eliminate stress completely from our lives, we can reduce the effects of stress by making some small changes to our daily routines.
Go for a short walk on your work break
Going for a walk, even a short one, triggers the release of endorphins in the brain that promote feelings of well being.
Laugh
When we laugh, it triggers the release of endorphins that cause us to feel good. Endorphins are the feel good chemicals of the brain. Laughing can also relax the body's muscles, increase blood flow and reduce stress hormones in the body. Laughter brings people together and that physical closeness can help minimize the effects of stress. Watch a funny video on YouTube at work or listen to a comedy album while you work.
Stretch
Muscle tension and body aches are common symptoms of stress. Stretching promotes feelings of relaxation by increasing blood flow and oxygen in the body and reducing tension in the body. Stretch at your desk.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, even in your office. Its a simple type of meditation that just requires you to be fully present and in the moment. Being mindful can promote feelings of relaxation by lowering blood pressure.
Eat a healthy snack
Fruits and vegetables are jam packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation in the body that can reduce the effects of stress on your body. Certain foods can even boost the level of brain-calming chemical serotonin in your body.
Think positive
Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is to change how we think about that stress. Being positive has protective effects against stress. It can give you a sense of perspective and make you more resilient to stress.
Talk to a colleague or text a friend
Stress is not exclusive to one person, its something that everyone deals with. Just talking about one's problems can promote feelings of well being by decreasing stress levels, boosting your self perception, and lowering blood pressure.