Work and stress often go hand-in-hand. As budget season approaches, be sure to remind yourself of a few easy things you can do to relieve stress. Self-care is important at the office too! Here are a few things that can be done from the comfort of your desk!
Peel an Orange
Due to the citrus aromas they emit, peeling an orange can be very beneficial for de-stressing. Try to remove the peel in one piece, focusing the mind on the task as you’re doing it. Additionally, the vitamin C in oranges—as well as other citrus fruits such as grapefruit and lemons—is known to reduce stress levels, making them a great food to have nearby throughout the work day.
Take a Mini Mental Vacation
While it would be nice to take a real vacation every time things got stressful at work, that isn’t a realistic possibility for most. But a mental vacation is something everyone can afford, and also a helpful tactic for combating stress. Picture one of the most relaxing scenes you can imagine and engage as many senses as you can by thinking about what you’d see, hear, smell, touch, and taste if you were really enjoying that relaxing scene. Just a few short minutes of this does wonders for de-stressing both your brain and your body.
Breathe Deep
Since it is a natural function of the body, we often forget to focus on our breathing throughout the day. It is considered one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your and promotes a state of calmness. It also helps to promote feelings of connection with the body and brings your awareness away from the worries in your head and quiets your mind.
Eat a Banana
It’s possible that you already bring a banana with you to work every day, as they are a very popular snack choice. The potassium in bananas helps to regulate blood pressure to relieve stress and improve energy and recovery. Bananas aren’t the only food that can help during tense times, though. Try eating a handful of nuts and seeds, which contain plenty of stress-reducing Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Or add spinach to your salad at lunch. It’s a great source of magnesium, a mineral that helps promote a sense of calm.
Smell Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used to heal a multitude of ailments for thousands of years. They possess many incredible benefits, not the least of which is their ability to help the body naturally de-stress. Rose, Lavender, Bergamot and Chamomile are known for their ability to relax and soothe. Whiff the oil directly from its bottle, or dab a couple of drops onto a scarf or cotton pad and keep it directly on your body throughout the day.
Move Around in Your Chair
Despite how inactive you may feel when sitting at work all day, there are several exercises you can do from your desk to help keep your body moving and free from stress. Slowly swivel your chair from side to side while taking deep breaths. Do this for 15 to 20 breaths. This can loosen the muscles in the back and stimulate the kidneys, which, according to Chinese medicine, are a major source of energy in the body. Alternatively, try switching out your desk chair for an exercise ball periodically throughout the work day. The minor movements will keep your blood flowing and can promote better posture and core strength.
Cheers to a less stressed 2022 budget season!