Have you ever been at work and you just need to take a step back and head outside for a breath of fresh air because it is all getting a bit too much? It’s OK, we have all been there! Usually getting that moment helps you power through the day. But what if you are unable to leave your desk? Maybe, you are waiting for a call or have a meeting starting in 5 minutes.

Well, this is when you need a quick de-stresser that you can do right there at your desk!

1. Ear and neck massage

This may seem a little strange to do at work, but this has been proven to work in traditional chinese medicine. It has shown that ear massage relieves stress and anxiety.

The trick is to massage your ear gently, right in the middle of the upper third of your ear. This spot, called the Shen Men point, reportedly decreases stress and boosts energy—just what you need on a trying day. If you find that difficult to find, then just start by massaging your earlobes, then working your way up and around the shell of your ear. 

2. Workspace clarity

Your mindset is reflected in your space and vice versa. This means having a clear and tidy workspace, should help the clarity of your mindset.

This is when all your practice of tidying your room when you were a kid pays off. Your parents were right when they told you to clean your room!

Even if you are busy, take a bit of time out to clear your desk and tidy up your workspace. It is also good practice to clean out your digital desktop as well! This can get cluttered when times are busy, and to have a clear idea of where everything is, it is worth tidying that now and then as well. When you have reset your workspace, you have reset yourself!

3. Hand exercise

When you are swamped with work, and you feel like you have been typing or writing all day, it is time to give your hands a break.

Giving your hands a break and a stretch, can help recirculate things and get them ready for the next round of typing! Now, it is important to pay attention to the thumbs to help your hands relax. Start by lightly pinching the muscle between your thumb and index finger and massaging in small circles. Remember to keep it firm yet gentle, to relax the muscles. Also twist those wrists and stretch those hands to help with circulation. You’ll feel your hands, shoulders, and neck start to relax, and, in no time, you’ll be ready to start working again! 

4. Breathing

This is vital when it comes to de-stressing! Now, I know this is something you already know, and many people say they don't have time for it, butbelieve me, this can help you go from feeling like the world is ending to feeling as cool as ice!

So, give it a go! 

When you breathe in, imagine the air inflating your stomach instead of your chest. Push your stomach outwards to draw the air down, then pull it back in to really empty your lungs of air. Put some muscle into it for three breaths, then fall back into your normal rhythm newly relaxed, and ready to take on your tasks.

5. Progressive relaxation

This is a meditation technique with is used to help with anxiety and stress. This will help you reconnect with your body without going anywhere!

Start with your toes, tensing and slowly releasing the muscles. Work your way up the body, tensing and releasing the muscles in your feet, legs, torso, arms, neck and even your face (without scaring anyone!).

You will feel energized in a few minutes and ready to tackle the rest of the day without even leaving your desk! 

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tags: employee engagement