How to Relax & Revive Yourself at a Stationary Desk Job
Recognition & Motivation Ideas
The holidays are over and it’s time to get back to work, work and more work. That can translate to endless hours at your desk and increased amounts of stress.
Sitting for long periods of time puts you at risk of gaining weight, increasing your blood pressure, raising blood sugar levels and elevating your risk for cardiovascular disease, according to James A. Levine, M.D., Ph.D. from the Mayo Clinic.
It’s time to think outside the box when it comes to curbing afternoon yawns and midday bouts of stress. Here’s six ways to revive your energy, sit less and melt away stress during your work day.
Breathe Deep
We spend the whole day breathing quick, shallow breaths, especially if we’re nervous and working against a deadline. Give yourself permission to stop, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Take five to six seconds to inhale, feeling the air fill your belly. Then slowly exhale, noticing how the breath feels flowing past your lips or nostrils. Do this a few times each day to reduce anxiety.
Stand and Work
If you have a home office, consider installing a standing treadmill desk. If that’s out of the budget, a standing desk where you can walk in place works too. Or, get started right now and vow to only make phone calls while standing. Get vertical and keep your blood flowing to stay sharp and fit all at the same time.
Be Positive
Make it a daily goal to compliment a co-worker, someone you interact with on the phone or even via email. These gestures make you feel good inside and perks up someone else’s day. After all, everyone loves to hear you liked their presentation or think their new hairstyle is cute, right?
Take Health Breaks
If it’s socially acceptable for smokers to step outside for breaks at your office, head to the door. But, instead of lighting up, look up. Notice the sky, the trees and your surroundings. Take a mental break from your work tasks and soak in the environment for a few minutes. This will relax your brain and recharge you for the next task on the to do list.
Eat Snacks
Yes! Eating between meals can be good for you. Skip the vending machine and nosh on a juicy clementine or a handful of grapes. The natural sugars in fruit give you an energetic boost and a dose of healthy vitamins.
Get Motivated
Surrounding yourself with words of encouragement keeps you focused on achieving goals and doing well. Splurge on a coffee mug with a cute saying or hang a poster in your office that gives off positive vibes. Maybe your positivity will rub off on those who stop by your workspace during the day!
How do you like to rejuvenate yourself to press on during a long workday? Tell us your ideas in the comments below.