Do you feel overwhelmed when you sit down at your desk? Are stressed because your mind is constantly buzzing with to-do’s while you work? Breaks are few and far between, and stepping away from your desk isn’t always an option.
So how do you de-stress when you’re bound to the desk?
Here are four simple ways to help yourself relax without stepping away from your workspace.
- Breathing
You don’t have to think about when or how to breathe, but do you ever breathe intentionally? Learning breathing techniques is one way to physically de-stress without being physically active. Breathing exercises send a message from your body to your mind, telling it that it’s time to relax. Experiment with different methods to see which one helps you to best achieve a state of rest.
- Song Break
Breaks are necessary, but they only last for a short amount of time. If you’re looking for a new way to get some rest at your desk, try creating a playlist that lasts as long as your break. Throw on a pair of headphones and let yourself really listen to each song. Block out any thoughts about your to-do list and busy schedule until the playlist is over, using it as a way to escape into a state of relaxation.
- Doodling
Do you know what thirty minutes of doodling can do for your stress and focus? Studies show that just half an hour of doodling can improve memory and alleviate the mental stress of processing information. While you’re working at your desk, it often takes some time to build the momentum it takes to keep your focus. But doodling gives your mind a creative break without breaking your focus that helps you to be productive.
- Journaling
Sometimes while you’re working, your mind can’t help but wander to other things. You may be distracted by the stressful phone call you received before you sat at your desk, or nervous about the dinner date you have after work. Instead of letting these thoughts take up real estate in your mind, write it out! Even if all you have is a random pen and a post-it note, taking a few minutes to sit and journal helps you to let out the distractions that keep bothering your brain.
