If you’ve ever had a job, it’s probably caused you some stress. It’s a fact. Whether you’re facing hard deadlines, dealing with unhelpful co-workers, or simply taking on more than you can handle, there are a million reasons you can find yourself a little stressed at work.
When you’re stuck at work and freaking out, here are a few fun ways to de-stress.
6 Fun ways to de-stress yourself at work
Snack on something
If it’s been a few hours since you’ve eaten, you might be making your problems worse. Low blood sugar can amplify stress, which is the last thing you need when you’re feeling anxious. Stash low carb snacks like granola bars, mixed nuts, and fruit chews in your desk drawer and pause for a quick snack break the next time you’re stressed.
Listen to music
Music is magic. The perfect song can take you back to a different time and bring back all the feels. If you just can’t shake your stress at work and need a quick boost, throw in a pair of earphones and play your favourite pick-me-up. Whether you plug into a pre-set playlist on your phone or get adventurous and experiment with a fun, upbeat station on Spotify, the right tunes can melt away your stress and turn your day around.
Watch a funny video
Laughter is one of the best natural medicines around. Laughing boosts your endorphin production and has been shown to reduce stress, so don’t hold back. The next time you find yourself frazzled, pop over to YouTube and see what’s trending in the ‘comedy’ section, or do a quick search for the latest viral video.
Focus on something else
Sometimes, the best way to stop stress is to shift our focus away from our anxieties. If you like to sketch, pick up a pen and doodle for a few minutes or if your busy brain needs something a little more intense to draw its attention, solve a Sudoku or fill in a few answers on a crossword puzzle. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
Breathe
Stress can quickly take a physical toll on our bodies. It triggers our “flight or fight” response, which tells our muscles to tense and our breathing to speed up. The next time you’re stressing over something, notice your breath – it’s probably shallow and quick.
To fix this, channel your inner yogi and spend a minute breathing slowly. Inhale for five seconds, pause, then exhale. If you share an office with others, you don’t have to be super dramatic about it, gasping and sighing – just breathe and allow yourself to calm down. Studies have shown that this works: taking slow, deep breaths activates our parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us chill out.
Tidy your space
If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your cubicle, the mess might just be adding to your stress. Get rid of the Post-It note reminders you don’t need anymore and anything else that doesn’t serve a purpose. If your virtual desktop needs a little love, spend a few minutes sorting through the files on your computer and deleting the ones you no longer need.
Stress isn’t fun but there are definitely fun ways to de-stress. Do yourself a favour and take a little bit of time out at work when you need it, we’re not superhuman!
