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Did you know that it wasn’t until the late 1950s that biological stress was discovered? While symptoms of stress existed long before that discovery, there is now a myriad of research on how to cope with them.
Try these easy stress busters to improve your workday:
- Get a drink of water: As our brains, and all our organs, need water to function properly; dehydration can lead to stress and vice-versa.
- Chat with a friendly colleague or call a friend: The presence of close friends reduces your body’s stress response and leads to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Do a few stretches: Stress can cause your body to tense up, with tension usually held in your head, neck, shoulders, and lower back. Stretching can provide immediate relief.
- Take a short walk: A brisk walk can calm you down by sparking nerve cells in the brain that relax your senses.
- Practice deep breathing: The way you breathe affects your whole body. Breathing exercises are a great way to relax, reduce tension, and relieve stress.
- Listen to your favorite song: Music is very effective for stress management and relaxation and can deeply affect both your emotions and body.
- Have a healthy snack: The right choice of snacks can lower your stress and improve your mood. Have a banana, a small handful of raw nuts, some raw vegetables dipped in hummus, or a cup of herbal tea.
- Watch a funny video: Laughter is the best medicine! It boosts your mood and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
- Make a plan or to-do list: Take a step back and create a clear and prioritized work plan or to-do list to help calm your mind.
- Organize your workspace: A clean and well-organized workspace can help you feel less stressed and work more efficiently.
Just as stress can easily build up during your workday, you can reduce it with some quick and simple actions. How else do you manage stress at the office?
