Proven Stress Relief Techniques That Work! (Part 1)

Workplace stress has been at an all time high over the last two decades. We are working longer hours and taking work home, resulting in us being severely overworked.

All devices are synced, allowing very little escape. Our jobs are always on our minds as the phone beeps with email alerts.

Most of us are terribly unhappy as we sit at our desks, wondering if we were just created to pay bills and die (okay maybe that was a bit too morbid, but you get the point).

What do we do to keep the stress from devouring us so that we can still lead productive lives?

Well there are a few things you can do. Hopefully some of these suggestions can help.

• Get a good night's sleep.  You may be thinking, "I am stressed that's why I can't sleep!". Well it's a vicious cycle. The less sleep you get, the more stressed you feel.
• Exercise. Get moving, physical activity releases endorphins into the body and inhibits the production of cortisol (the stress hormone).
• Breathe. Have you noticed when you are feeling overwhelmed, you hold your breath. Taking deep calming breaths and you will feel your muscles start to relax. I guarantee it.
• Take a break. Get up from your desk and stretch your legs. Touch your toes. Take your eyes off the computer screen.

So that's four simple things you can do to start reducing your stress levels and increasing your productivity.

The next post, Is Stress Affecting Your Productivity? (Part 2) will offer some more suggestions. I guarantee after this series, you will walk away with something that works!

Hope you can catch the next post.

Cheers!