It’s Monday, you have a series of conference calls lined up and a weekend’s worth of e-mails waiting for your attention. But don’t get frazzled because relaxing can be as easy as counting to 10.
1: My tea is green
Green tea is a source of various nutrients, including polyphenols, antioxidants and minerals. These all help you relieve anger and reduce stress. Even the fact of getting up from your desk, boiling water, pouring your tea and sipping it quietly in an empty kitchenette is relaxing.
2: Munch and crunch
Food is a good source of comfort. Of course, it all depends on what food you choose. A small chunk of dark chocolate can regulate the stress hormone cortisol and stabilise your metabolism. And to be honest, is there anything more delicious than chocolate? Fruits like mango and some nuts can also calm you down.
3: Meditate
No, there’s no need to climb a mountain or travel to some monastery in a distant jungle to meditate. Just find a quiet spot, concentrate on your breathing, and after five minutes your anxieties will start disappearing.
4: Hands up
If you spend most of your day hunched over your computer, tip-tapping away at the keyboard, your hands will get tired. The solution is to give yourself a hand massage. Apply some lotion and knead the base of the muscle under the thumb to relieve stress.
5: Quick nap
Admittedly, you cannot just go home in the middle of your working day and enjoy a two-hour nap. And neither can you lay your head on your desk and snore away. What you can do is close your eyes, lay your head down, and imagine that your arms are a comfortable pillow. It’s all about visualisation.
6: Remember to breathe
Breathing comes naturally. However, we don’t give it the attention it deserves. Taking slow and deep breaths can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
7: Here comes the sun
There’s nothing as beautiful as a sunny day. And we’re lucky enough to get plenty of those. Just go out for a couple of minutes, soak up the warmth and enjoy the bright light. It’s the best cure to lift your spirits.
8: Stretch and pose
You might be lucky enough to work for a company that offers yoga classes to its employees. However, if you don’t, you can still find a quiet spot – even in a public garden nearby – and do some stretching and basic yoga poses. Does wonders to relieve muscle tension.
9: Get organised
Clear your desk, throw out that stack of papers, and remove any clutter you don’t need from your desk.
10: Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter increases blood flow and boosts immunity. Tell a joke to your friends, fire up a funny YouTube video, or just hang out with a couple of friends.