Many of us are running pretty hard these days. From the minute we wake up until the moment we go to sleep, many of us are constantly on the go, thinking, doing chores and getting stuff done. We stare at our phones, computers and televisions constantly, never truly giving our brains a chance to reset, recharge and process everything that is happening around us.
The following tips are geared towards reducing stress, giving your mind a break and helping you become a happier, healthier person.
9 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress at Work
1 – 10 seconds – Laugh
Laughing is one of the best ways to combat stress. Read, watch videos, join groups on Facebook, subscribe to websites or just hang out with good people that make you laugh.
2 – 5 minutes – Breath
Lay on your back in a quiet, comfortable place. Place your hands on your belly button. Inhale through your nose, raising your belly button and then exhale slowly through your teeth. The key here is to focus solely on your breath for 5 minutes. If your mind wanders, just bring it back to your breath and maintain this for 5 minutes.
3 – 10 to 20 minutes – Guided Meditation
There are a ton of great free apps that you can download on your phone. Find one that you like and simply plug in, put your headphones on and follow the instructions. This is a great way to give your mind a break from your busy day.
4 – 30 minutes – Go for a Walk
This is one of my recent go to activities. There are a bunch of trails, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and other options all over southern California. Just getting outside and walking for 30 minutes is a great way to get your body moving and reset your brain.
5 – 45 minutes – Take a Nap
Sometimes, you just need to close your eyes for a few minutes in the middle of the day. Its great for your health and also another way to give your brain a rest. Throw a quick cat nap in there every once in awhile.
4 – 60 minutes – Move Around
Some people lift weights, others do yoga…the key is to find something that you enjoy and simply get your body moving a few times each week. Whether you join a gym, hire a trainer or simply do a few things at home, getting your body moving and improving its function yields physical and mental dividends.
5 – 2-3 Hours – Go to the Beach, Hike, Get Outside
If you have a few hours available, we’d recommend getting outside and enjoying the world around you. Hike, surf, cycle, paddleboard, climb, play sports… the combination of getting outside and purely enjoying yourself for a few hours is one of the most stress relieving things you can do for yourself.
6 – 1 Day – Take an Adventure
If you have a day to kill, maybe its time to take a short mini adventure. Go camping, snowboarding, explore in the desert, go climb a mountain or just go exploring to a place you’ve never been. The key here is to just get away and shut down for a day or so.
7 – 3 Day Reset
Really want to reset and get away? Take a trip, where you have no cell reception and just enjoy yourself. Get off the beaten path, hike into the hills, camp by a stream, surf on a quiet beach or just go sit under a tree and chill. This might be needed once a quarter, twice a year or just a planned trip every year. The key is to unplug, get away and just relax.
We can all get sucked into the vortex of work, chores, etc, but in order to truly be happy and healthy, we need to figure out ways to enjoy our life. Some might be a 5 minute vacation, while other times we might disappear for a few days and reset. Try to incorporate some of these simple ideas into your week and let us know how it goes.
Did you like “7 Simple Ways To Reduce Stress at Work”? Leave us a comment and share this article with your family, friends, and coworkers.
Here’s a few other posts you might enjoy…
5 Ways to Snap Yourself Back Into a Good Mood
Top 10 Places to Get Outside in Orange County, CA.
11 Mini Vacations That Fit Into Your Busy Schedule
If you are ready to improve your quality of life with Innovative Results Active Recovery Class, schedule your free trial below.