Understanding the reasons why this is true can help you learn to manage work stress in healthier ways. Take a little time to review the following common culprits of work stress — see if any resonate with you. Leisure activities can be a wonderful way to relieve stress. Yet, many people feel as though their lives are too busy for hobbies, games, or extra fun. So don’t be afraid to ask a loved one for a hug if you need it. It’s good for both of you and it can be one of the simplest forms of stress relief available.
Relying on a solid support network
Then next time you need a pick me up you can refer to the list. Try a body scan meditation – the act of mindfully scanning your body from head to toe. According to the NHS, we should all be drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Drinking water will also improve your productivity and reduce your chance of developing a headache. Step away from your work and make yourself a cup of tea – this could be followed by a tea meditation, or simply having a chat with a coworker who’s also on a tea break. So, if you’ve been lurking around the above subreddits desperately in search of tips to salvage your evening (just me?), you’ve come to the right place.
Why work causes stress & why we need to unwind after work
Journaling as a regular practice can be an effective way to unwind after a stressful day at work. One of the most common ways to reduce stress, alleviate anxious feelings, and calm the mind is meditation. Whether you’re new to the practice or are familiar, meditation can also be used as a way to de-stress anytime.
- It’s very natural to seek emotional support when dealing with difficult co-workers.
- Identifying and recording stressful situations can help you understand what’s bothering you.
- You may start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on being present and enjoying a simple activity — a short walk around the park or appreciating a meal at your desk.
- Think of it as having some “me-time” to prepare for what you are going to walk into when you get home.
Relaxing De-Stress Activities
Spending time with your loved ones will help you cope with the hustle and bustle of daily life as well as improve your mental well-being. As a result, at the how to destress after work end of the day, enjoy the company of your loved ones. Spending time in nature after a hectic day is a great way to distract yourself and relieve stress.
- If you’re constantly thinking things like, “I don’t have time for this,” and “I can’t stand this,” you’ll stress yourself out.
- I refer to it as a priority list, which is essentially an organized to-do list written in a sequence of priorities.
- Try maximizing these feelings by having a planned marathon watch session of your favorite TV shows or movies.
- “You’re almost preparing yourself to be triggered,” she says.
- Board games can be a lot of fun and can help take your mind off things.
- Taking short breaks can recharge you and reduce stress levels.
While sustainable job performance requires us to thrive at work, only 32% of employees across the globe say they’re thriving. Those who feel tense or stressed out during the workday are more than three times as likely to seek employment elsewhere. “You’re almost preparing yourself to be triggered,” she says. “Walk through possible conversations and imagine how you’ll respond if a loved one says something to offend you, or how you’ll avoid someone who you don’t feel comfortable around. Practice ways to respond, and have a plan B—remembering that it’s always okay to leave a situation if you need to,” Dr. Murray says. This won’t necessarily calm you in a moment when you’re already stressed or anxious, but it can help you keep things in perspective so you don’t go into a dread spiral.
- The vision board can be physical or digital, but the goal is to experience calming and joyous emotions whenever you look at your masterpiece.
- Stress manifests itself differently in each of us, so it may be worth reading up on stress and how to manage it effectively.
- Walk on dry leaves while being fully conscious of the crackling/rustling sounds.
- As a bonus, you can tailor baths to your preferences by making them as basic or fancy as you like.
- Find out if there are treehouse resorts nearby and plan a stay for a few days.
- Taking a break can allow our minds and bodies to rest and recover from the day’s stresses.
Enjoy Your Commute Home
- If not, it’s time to incorporate breathing exercises into your relaxation routine.
- A work-free staycation or trip a few hours out of town can help you reset.
This not only distracts you from stress but also increases your job satisfaction and competence. Having the right mindset can be a crucial factor in alleviating stress. A straightforward way to quickly alter your brain is to recite affirmations. This versatile practice is an excellent way to cultivate feelings of happiness, self-love, and contentment anytime. As a bonus, whether you use pre-written affirmations or ones you create, you can tailor the affirmations that you choose to say to whatever you’d like to enhance or reduce.