How To Relax At Work
Here’s some good news: It’s perfectly normal to be anxious about your job. Numerous studies show that job stress is far and away the major source of stress for American adults and that it has escalated progressively over the past few decades.
But here’s some better news: There are some simple changes you can make to gain more control over your work life and be able to relax again in your free time.
1. Take control of what you can.
Not feeling in control can often contribute to work related anxiety. And while getting in control of your entire work related responsibilities is a longer-term project, there are smaller things that you can organize in no time to ease some of your anxiety.
Prioritize your to-dos first thing in the morning (or the night before!) so you know what needs to get done today and what can wait until tomorrow.
2. Take a stroll and get some SUN !
Research shows that people who spend time in green spaces feel less anxious. So, if you have the opportunity to go outside for even a few minutes to “smell the roses,” do it.
3. BREATHE !
Take a long, slow breath in through your nose, first filling your lower lungs, then your upper lungs. Hold your breath to the count of “three.”Exhale slowly through pursed lips, while you relax the muscles in your face, jaw, shoulders, and stomach. This calming breathing technique is very simple yet powerful.
4. Reach out.
If you have someone you can talk to, you can explain your feelings and receive validation, comfort and reassurance, which can help remind you that you are capable of getting through this; you are already coping with your anxiety.
5. Prettify work-place environment.
Nothing is more personal than some framed photos of your family, favorite places and other people or things you love or admire.
Add life with plants. Along with personalizing your space and improving your daily mood, live plants remove pollutants from the air, including carbon dioxide, and release oxygen into your cubicle.
Creatively light your space. Even if your space is primarily lit with those annoying ceiling fluorescent lights, you can introduce a small table lamp giving off a warm, natural lighting effect
These strategies can have a very genuine effect on work anxiety and will help you. Remember, there’s never going to be one fix, but we can all make small steps to help ease our worries and anxieties. What are your steps?
