5 Quick Stress Relief Techniques You Can Do at The Office

The workplace can be one of the most stressful spaces for many professionals. You are met with tight deadlines, a plethora of emails waiting for you on your desktop, long meetings, and much more. These can leave a person day after day to feel mentally and physically drained. Balancing your mental health can be hard with a busy work and personal life, but I have some good news for you! You don't have to leave the office and even your desk to get 10 minutes of relief to start your day on the right foot. Here are 5 quick and effective stress relief tips and techniques you can utilize in the workplace to reset and destress!

1. A 5 - Minute Walk 

Step away from your desk, walk around and go outside if possible! 

• It will boost circulation 
• Helps clear headspace and mental fog 

2. Aromatherapy at Your Desk 

Add diffusers, candles, or room sprays of lavender, peppermint, or citrus smells!

• Lavender is known to promote calmness and relaxation 
• Peppermint can often give you an energy boost 
• Citrus can help improve your mental clarity and mood

3. Listening to Calm Music 

Create a playlist of Instrumentals, and peaceful noises that can reduce stress while and before you start your day. 

• Jazz, Classical, or any instrumentals can promote stress relief and focus
• Try apps like Calm or Spotify that can have focus playlists pre-made 

4. Breathing Exercises 

Take 1 minute to calm your mind and body. Take this minute and focus on your breathing. Inhale as much as you can and slowly, hold for 5 seconds, and exhale through your mouth. 

• Lowers your heart rate 
• Calms your nervous system 
• Helps practice mindfulness 
• Can be done at your desk, or an empty space in the office 

5. Gratitude List 

When you find yourself needing a break, but still need to be at your desk, take a piece of paper and right down 5 things you are grateful for that day. 

• Shifts a negative mindset and outlook of the day and redirects it to a positive one 
• Improves mindset 
• Improves mood