1. Meditate
It is not easy to keep your mind focussed when you are surrounded by tasks, reminders, chores and commitments. Multitasking like this generates stress to which we become accustomed as time passes. But the burden of accommodating so many things ultimately has its impact in the form of high stress levels that becomes difficult to manage.
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is also the simplest. Meditation not only increases your focus on the work you do, it also relaxes your body. Meditating for a few minutes during work decreases the amount of stress hormones in your body. To meditate try doing a simple activity like-
* breathing deeply
* lying still on a sofa or a chair
* resting your head on your worktable.
Meditating at the workplace can be a great way of reducing stress. When your mind becomes relaxed after meditating, you will be able to focus better on your work and do it better than before. You will feel the change in your body as your heartbeat slows down, your rate of breathing returns to normal and your tensed muscles relax.
2. Take a Break
Temporarily distract yourself from the work that causes you stress. This temporary distraction will give you time to relax your nerves and cool down. You can do this by walking around the place for a short while, or by doing something that cheers your mood. Some form of leisure activity like strolling in a garden full of colourful flowers, greenery, fountains etc. is a nice way to take a break. This allows you to approach your work with renewed vigour and determination.
The act of strolling lightens your mood, which allows the release of mood elevating hormones in your bloodstream. This lowers your heartbeat and normalizes your breathing. If you are engrossed in study or office work then you must consider taking a break and walking around a bit. This lessens the tension which builds up in the muscles of the face, the shoulders and around your midriff. As your muscles relax, you will feel better physically. This will also lead to a lessening of tension.
Sometimes a simple act like looking out of the window into the garden, the traffic, looking at other people, into the rain or at the night sky can be very relaxing. A few minutes of break is all that you will need to cheer up your spirits and get rid of stress.
3. Talk to Someone or Be Social
Have you ever felt relaxed after talking to someone? Most often people are so cocooned in their work or with themselves that they do not bother to talk with other people around or try to build friendships. Talking your heart out releases the tension that builds up in you. This instantly relaxes your mind. It’s always refreshing to talk with someone whom you trust. This provides an outlet for pent up feelings which are often the reason behind stress building up. It is also a simple way of reducing stress.
Talking is a great stress buster. People who are depressed are also encouraged to talk as it helps them rid their mind of things which keep bothering them. Stress can be got rid of in the same manner. People who lead lonely lives or do not talk much are deprived of the chance to talk to someone. When they get stressed they find it difficult to relax.
Talking can also be fruitful as people share ideas. If you are entangled in a problem that you find it difficult to come out of, then you may be able to find a solution after talking to someone.
4. Try to Change Your Attitude
Aggressive stubborn people face a lot of problems. They also suffer from a high level of stress. Changing the attitude slightly and becoming a wee bit more accommodative can go a long way in reducing stress. Similarly people who are perfectionists also suffer from stress as they try to do everything to perfection. It is not always possible to achieve perfection. Hence understanding and accepting the fact that you cannot control everything can be very relaxing. Such a change in attitude requires will and determination. However, most people find it emotionally satisfying to stick to their beliefs stubbornly. They can benefit a lot if they learn to let go and relax. This change in attitude can be a great stress buster.
People with aggressive and jealous attitude have a higher than normal heartbeat and rapid breathing. Being in this state for a long period, stresses the body and the mind. If you have an aggressive attitude, you are bearing unnecessary and avoidable stress. Relax by changing your attitude and you will get relieved. You will certainly enjoy the feeling.
5. Do Something Which You Enjoy Immensely
Most people have hobbies or they simply love doing something. It can be something as simple as listening to music or playing a musical instrument, playing with children or a pet, strolling in the park, even painting. Or it can be something else like a walking in the park, or going for a long ride, sailing, watching movies, reading, writing, or working for a social cause etc.
All these activities provide pleasure and a sense of fulfilment. Being involved in the day to day work leaves one very tired. Hence it is necessary to take some time off from stressful chores and concentrate on your hobbies. Pursuing hobbies is a rewarding experience simply for the fact that you do something that you like. Not only does this make you happy, it is also a great way of reducing stress. Doing something that you enjoy immensely is also a great way to cheer up your life.
