As you pull out of the driveway on your way to work, it begins to pour. But the rain is oddly monsoon-like and … brown? Coffee. Of course. You left it on the roof of your car this morning.
Uncaffeinated yet suddenly on edge, you head into the office and open your inbox to a subject line entitled “Fix Reports!! Unbelievable” – and it’s from your boss. Just as you run to the copy room to tend to this task, your skirt rips. Now you’re hyperventilating. The world is clearly out to get you, and there is no end to your influx of stress.
We have all been victims of this work day from “heck,” so we completely understand your struggle. Here are six quick, easy ways to relieve your stress and get back on track for the rest of your day.
Chew your troubles away
To give yourself a sensory palette cleanse, pop in a piece of gum or a fresh mint. This meditative chewing experience will allow you to deviate your focus from the stressful situations beyond, and to focus on what’s going on within.
Make like an MRI machine
When you first notice yourself getting stressed, mentally scan each part of your body from head to toe. If you notice any tense areas, make a conscious effort to relax them as you move onto the next muscle.
See the cat, be the cat
Emotional stress can often trigger physical symptoms that you can assuage with physical techniques. When you feel those butterflies kicking in, become your own house pet. Lightly stroking your arm will comfort you and ease the tension you are experiencing.
Squish the stress
Keep a plushy object such as a stress ball or a small stuffed animal at your desk, at the ready for intense bouts of anxiousness that just make you wanna squeeze your troubles into oblivion.
Hold an Olympic bathroom cooldown
If you need an immediate escape and release of adrenaline, go to the bathroom for a quick jumping jack session. And if you’re feeling particularly aggressive or Olympic, throw a few punches into the air that comes out of the hand dryer.
Get a whiff of island time
Scents can often be a very powerful trigger of memory. If you have a perfume, body mist, or lotion that reminds you of a relaxing vacation you took with your partner or a retreat you went on with your gal pals, bring a sample of it to work and take a whiff when you need to escape.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot#1
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/quick-stress-relief.htm
https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/quick-stress-relief/
