Stress is killer,
literally. While vacations may be harder to get these days, you can still take time for yourself during the day.
-
Get Ahead of It - Start your day with a ritual of self-care. Whether that includes a killer skincare routine or 5 minutes of meditation. If you know that you’ve got a full day ahead, take this small amount of alone time to focus on yourself.
-
Take a Deep Breath - This is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to de-stress at work. Deep breathing helps increase oxygen flow throughout the body and can be done in two simple steps: First, breathe in slowly through your nose, filling up your lungs completely, and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. You can repeat it as often as you want during the day.
-
Make an Action Plan - When you feel overwhelmed by chores and work, grab a pen and paper, take a breath and make a checklist. Set time limits for each of these, so you don’t get carried away with one thing. Also, by breaking down your day into small sections it can seem much more approachable.
-
Go Outside - Humans benefit from being outdoors. Sunlight on your (hopefully spf’d) skin can improve vitamin D levels, help with concentration and prevent illnesses.
-
Listen to Music - Music is engrained so deeply into our daily lives, and for a good reason. Listening to your favorite songs decreases stress hormones that harm our immune system, weight and memory if it gets out of control. Studies have shown that it can help with your creativity during the day.
-
Take a Reading Break - Take a break from your screen time. Research has found that reading for only six minutes can decrease muscle tension and heart rate.
-
Take a Walk - If you sit at your desk all day, one of the best solutions for stress is going for a short walk. By doing this, your brain will release endorphins. This can subdue anxiety, boost energy levels, and improve mood.
-
Listen to Yourself and What You Need - This is the most important point on the entire list. It's essential to put yourself first and do whatever's necessary in order to improve your mental health.
