Hours in the office can be stressful. Even if you're not dealing with anything difficult at the moment, spending eight or more hours focused at a time can easily wear on you. If you are facing something particularly anxiety-inducing at work, however, this effect can be significant. Unfortunately, our bodies aren't particularly good at handling stress. If you're experiencing a lot of emotional distress, the odds are good you're going to start feeling that in your body as well - as a result, you might feel fatigued, sore and even sick. This is stressful in and of itself, so it can lead to a cycle of anxiety that's far from productive. Here are five ways to reduce stress instead of letting it wear on you:
1. Drink herbal tea
If you're normally refilling your coffee cup all day long, consider cutting back on the caffeine. Though you may need that extra jolt to get you going in the morning, lots of caffeine throughout the day can leave you with excess energy. This means you end up restless and overstimulated, which can make you thoroughly stressed out. Swap out your second (or third) cup of coffee for a caffeine-free tea, instead.
A nice cup of tea can calm you down instantly.
2. Exercise
Working out can seriously reduce the impact stress has on your body. Not only does it give you a way to focus your anxious energy, it also leave your body healthier overall. This can make you less likely to receive more sources of stress down the line, as you'll be at a lower risk for health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
3. Take breaks
"People work best when they take breaks."
Working for hours on end without stopping is not going to make you more productive - in fact, the opposite is likely true. People work best when they structure their days with a reasonable mix of working and taking breaks. That's why it's so important to actually eat during your lunch. This means going away from your desk: Eating a sandwich while reading emails is not a proper break. This also means taking advantage of your company's vacation time. Spending time away from the office can increase creativity and productivity - just be sure to get trip cancellation insurance just in case anything goes wrong.
4. Breathe
Sometimes stress is background noise, but other times, it's a cacophony. If you experience sudden and severe stress, you can move through it using breathing exercises. Breathe deeply - into your belly - for four counts, then out for four. Focus on the rhythm, and try to keep it steady.
5. Go for a walk
Heading outside for a quick walk can be the perfect way to refresh yourself in the middle of a stressful day. Not only does this give you a short break and a bit of exercise, it also gives you the chance to get some fresh air. Can't get outside? Try to look out a window - you'll get the benefits of taking in some sunlight, and staring at something in the distance can help eyes recover from the stress of staring at computer screens.