6 Ways to De-stress While at Work

No matter what career field you are in, stress in the workplace is inevitable. Between deadlines, tense meetings, negotiating, etc., your work plate probably runneth over, and with that, can come stress and a little anxiety. Working in HR for many years, I saw my share of employees who came into my office complaining of being overworked and stressed out, sometimes a casualty of being employed.

I’ve come up with a bevy of surefire tips and tools to help you de-stress at work so that you can focus and work at your highest potential.

Check out my list of 6 Ways to De-stress While at Work:

Yoga

Did you know you can do yoga at work? There are several poses and stretches that you can do while at work in your cubicle or office. Doing a few of these per day can help ease tension, give you center, and relax you while at the corporate grind. Here’s an article by Ladies Home Journal that gives you 10 yoga stretches that you can perform while at your desk. (click here to read the article)

Meditation

If yoga is not your thing, try meditating. It requires nothing but a clear mind and focus. You can do this along with any other spiritual exercises you may already do including reading your devotional, etc.

Music

If you are a music person like me, then you understand its therapeutic affects. If you are able to, you can listen to music while in your office or cube. A wireless speaker such as iHome can enable your music selections and playlist via Bluetooth, or you can listen via headphones. Set up a playlist with calming sounds, or music that motivates you or inspires you, and watch yourself become less stressed.

Break

Sometimes taking a break is a good way to de-stress. Get up from your desk, walk around, find a quiet spot outside where you can compose yourself and gather your thoughts. This may be all you need to feel lest tense.

Journal

Journaling is a huge de-stressor for me, so why not journal at work? Leave a small notebook/notepad in your desk, and when you feel the stress starting to kick in, take a few minutes to write your feelings down. This is a great way to purge negativity so that you can move forward with your day.

Ally

Do you have a trusted friend or colleague at work? Perhaps venting to them can help lower your stress level. An ally in the office is a great way to have a sounding board, and because they have earned your trust, you know it won’t go further than that. If you don’t have an ally in the office physically, call one up and share your feelings that way.

We all get stressed out while working, but it’s good to know you have an outlet. I hope the tips above can help you de-stress while at work.