5.Cut the caffeine
Another thing we are hooked on besides technology is caffeine. You want that edge to get you through your long days.While some cups of coffee can definitely give you a jolt in the morning or in the afternoon, don’t overdo it. Too much caffeine is not good for the body and can actually add to your stress levels. You can’t go 100 miles per hour all the time, so slow down. Even worse than coffee are all of those energy drinks on the market. Not only will they make you dependent on them for energy, but they are expensive as well! The same goes for diet pills and other items loaded with caffeine.
6.Exercise
There’s really no better stress reliever out there that some good old exercise. Even if you hate the thought of exercising, you should not ignore its many benefits. Exercise is obviously good for your body, but it’s probably even better for your mind. As you exercise,your body begins to release endorphins. This makes you feel good and almost gives you a natural high. You should try to make a habit of setting aside sometime each day to workout. You don’t necessarily have to join a gym, but do SOMETHING physical. Take a walk, a jog, or look up videos of quick exercise routines on YouTube. The possibilities are endless and the health benefits are numerous. You will feel better – guaranteed. If you are really lucky, your jobmay offer a gym membership for free as part of your compensation package. Ifthey do, take advantage of it.
7.Designate a block of “tech-free” time
Let’s face it, we have become overly attached to technology. Smart phones, laptops, desktops, tablets, you name it –they all keep us way too occupied. If you are constantly connected to or looking at a device, there is no way your mind will be allowed to think 100percent clearly. If you respond to each email or notification as they come in,you will constantly be side tracked. While it’s extremely important to respond to messages, you need to set aside a block of quiet time each day so that youcan relax and refresh. You could set an hour a day where you ignore your inbox completely. Better yet, set half hour blocks throughout the day where you remain “unconnected” from devices so that you can truly focus and be at peace.
8.Give yourself a massage
A massage is a great way to wind down andsqueeze some of that built up stress out of your body. If you don’t have thetime to skip out of the office to hit up a professional massage place, giveyourself a massage! All you have to do is rub your shoulders, neck, or anyother parts of your body that feel tense. There are many other methods forgiving yourself a massage as well, so look for some that seem appealing. Evenif you only do this for five or ten minutes per day, you will find that yourmind and body feel more relaxed after doing so.
9.Unwind by laughing
You know how they say laughter is the best medicine, well it’s pretty true! A good laugh can help brighten your spirits instantly. You could tell one of your coworkers a joke. Maybe even take a quick break to look up something funny on YouTube. Whatever it is, make sure to sneak some laughs in during the day. Spread the love too. You can help your coworkers relieve stress by showing them something funny. Just make sure not to goof off TOO much.
10.Change
If you find that you simply CANNOT tolerate your current workplace, change it! You have one life to live. Why spend it in a place that makes you absolutely miserable. Whether it’s from a particular bossor the overall way in which a company works, do not settle. Now, it’s worth noting that you should really try to find a new job before dumping your current one. Simply quitting without having a replacement could make your stress skyrocket when you cannot pay your bills on time. Plan ahead to avoid this from happening and remember that work should not make you miserable!
Employ these tips now and see how your stress levels flatten out. Stress is a part of work, but learn how to control it and it will make your professional and personal life that much better.