STRESS RELIEF
Stress Relief Techniques
You Can Use At Work
BY:ALYSSA THERKILDSEN
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
E
ngaging Stress is a modern affliction that affects
nearly everyone, and there are many different
treatments and techniques which can provide
relief. However, no matter how effective your
yoga class might be, performing a Downward-
Facing Dog in the middle of the office might be tricky.
There are other methods of stress relief that can also help
which are more subtle, making them suitable for use in
social situations. Here’s a look at a few techniques you
could try if you’re having the day from hell at work.
EAT SOMETHING SWEET
Yes really! When we’re stressed, we often turn instinctively
to ice cream, chocolate, or other sweet treats, but there’s a
very good physiological reason why this might be the case.
Drinking or eating something sweet dampens down
the production of glucocorticoid, the stress hormone.
So, if you’re finding things a little difficult to cope
with, a small treat could help you stem the tide.
VISUALIZATION
You might not be able to stop and indulge in a full
session of hypnotherapy, but you can use miniature
versions of this methodology wherever you are.
Visualization is a great way to pull everything back on
track, and it’s even more powerful when you practise it
regularly. If you can’t get a quiet minute at your desk, you
could escape to the restroom for a couple of minutes to take
a moment to focus. Concentrate on your chosen scene. It
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should be somewhere relaxing that you can picture vividly.
Now place yourself in that location. Hold that sensation
and feel the relaxation wash over you before slowly opening
your eyes and returning to the current moment.
The more you practise visualization, the more quickly you’ll
be able to reach that state of relaxation, helping you to
effectively manage whatever stress occurs during your day.
TUNE INTO CALMNESS
If your office allows music to be played or the use of
headphones, opt for some classical music. Research shows
that any music you enjoy releases dopamine and other
feel-good chemicals, but classical music works particularly
well. As well as dropping your blood pressure, classical
music has even been shown to reduce the amount of stress
hormones in your body, providing an instant sense of calm.
If you can’t listen to music, then you could try humming
or singing quietly to yourself as one study showed this
was also beneficial. However, this might not be the best
idea if you work in close proximity to others as you
might reduce your stress levels but increase theirs!
MAKING RELAXATION A HABIT
It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed by the stresses of the
working day, but if you consciously take steps to relax,
you will feel much more in control. Having more plants
in your working environment can help as well as making
sure you eat regularly. Taking time to look after your state
of mind will produce real benefits in the long run. +