The majority of people feel so stressed out in the workplace that they have no idea it’s even possible to feel relaxed at work.. “I don’t have enough time during my workday to relax!” I’m sure that’s what you’re thinking, but in reality, nobody has time, you have to create time to relax. Let’s think about the “I don’t have time” for a minute.
If you’re so busy with work that you don’t have time for anything else, then how on earth do you make time to eat, use the bathroom, or sleep? You have to set your priorities. One constant is the amount of time we have each day, but it’s totally up to us how we use that time. Let’s say that your manager at work gives you a ridiculous amount of work to do with an impossible deadline. So, you work nonstop, get completely stressed and freaked out, and end up working overtime on the task, and often turn in something that isn’t quite perfect. Sound familiar? It sounds very familiar to me, for I used to do this for years before I finally broke this mold!
Something we all need to understand is that when you overload your brain with stress, the result is a very unproductive brain. Let me give you an example. First thing to start your day, you’re given a monstrous assignment from your boss that’s due in just a few hours. Most of us go into a complete frenzy and spend the rest of our day freaking out while hunched over our work trying to get it done. Your neck gets stiff as a board, your eyes get all bugged-out, and at some point you realize it’s been four hours since you ate or used the restroom so you probably should do something about that. This is the absolute worst way to work!
Everyone’s productivity and effectiveness goes down as stress and fatigue are increased. Our brains work best not when we’re under a lot of pressure and physical stress, but rather, when we’re feeling relaxed and are thinking clearly. Simply put, you need to be sure to take breaks throughout the day. Despite being super busy with your work, you must make it a point to get up and away from your work for five to ten minutes every half hour or so. You have to give your brain a rest, it’s not a machine. You need to take your foot off the gas at least a couple of times an hour and get away from the work. This gives your mind a chance to relax and focus on less intense tasks, and gives your body a much needed break as well.
Every couple of hours be sure to get outside for at least 15-30 minutes as well. I don’t care what the weather is like, you were not meant to live caged up in an office all day, so get outside and get some fresh air. You’ll get a nice energy increase from walking around and increasing your heartbeat, which will also help to make you feel more alert. Remember too that it’s vital to drink enough water and to not skip lunch! When we get hungry and our blood sugar drops, most of us turn into barely functioning talking monkeys. Taking lots of breaks also helps you depend less on caffeine to stay awake.
It will be much easier for you to relax at work if you follow these guidelines. As an added bonus, you’ll get more work done in less time because you’ll be keeping your body and mind refreshed, which will increase your productivity and effectiveness. You’ll be able to get more work done in far less time, and as a bonus, you won’t be all stressed out. Wouldn’t that be a nice change!
Feeling stressed out and want to learn how to relax at work fast and easily? Steve Pavilanis, author of the award-winning anxiety book “A Life Less Anxious” can help you learn how to relax naturally without having to rely on medication or therapy. Check out his website today!