Feels like a Monday. Yep, it sure does. Kids are anything but cooperative, car tire needs air, and the inevitable happens, you are late to work and have a message from your boss to come see him when you get in. Oh, boy.
So what do you do? Head for the coffee pot or grab a doughnut, chat it up with a co-worker and vent over your frustrating morning or head outside for a smoke? While you might think these are helping you, they will just increase and lengthen the stressful feelings you are having. Try to bring down your blood-pressure, not make it go higher!
Here are a few tips to help you get back on track:
- Breath – this is advice you hear all the time, but if you actually take time to do it, you can help put your day back on the peace train.
- Stretch – while you can’t stand up at your cubicle for the entire world to see you, you can do some great chair stretches that will help you feel more relaxed.
- Walk – you might not feel you have time to get away from your desk, but the time you spend clearing your mind by walking for 5 minutes will more make you more productive when you get back to your office.
- Get a regular massage – while this isn’t always possible last minute, if you make massage part of your regular life, you will reap the calmness benefits. Working out all those knots in your shoulders will do wonders in the long-run. If you can’t afford a regular massage, check out some of the massage schools in your area. They are usually half the price of a regular massage and the quality can be just as good.
Give these a shot and try to make them a habit. Your body and mind will thank you for it! Also, share your sure-fire tips with us for stress relief. We love to hear what’s working for you.
Photo courtesy Anita_Bonita1 via Flickr.