Work is stressful and sometimes it seems like vacation time is too far away. Fortunately, you can reduce your stress right now with these simple tricks.
Set a Bedtime Alarm
Say you want to hit the hay by 11PM. Try setting an alarm for 10PM. That’s your cue to turn off your screens and start doing bedtime routine stuff like shower, brush your teeth, get your lunch ready for tomorrow, and whatever else you need to mentally prepare yourself for sleep.
Bonus tip: write a quick to-do list for tomorrow. If you’re stressing about stuff you have to get done, you’ll have trouble getting to sleep. But if you make a quick list, it’ll feel like you have the beginnings of plan to get stuff done and you’ll sleep easier.
Avoid the Comments Section
The comments sections of news websites have become notoriously toxic. That’s why it’s best to avoid them. They don’t contribute that much to your over understanding of the article in question and are great at spreading anger. Lower stress quickly by avoiding them.
Don’t Multitask
Lots of people say they’re great multitaskers. However, psychologists have been saying over and over again for years that being good at multitasking is a myth. When we multitask, we’re just doing a poor job at multiple things simultaneously.
Poor concentration and divided focus can be incredibly stressful. Doing a bad job at something just compounds that stress. So avoid it by avoiding multitasking. Focus on one thing at a time.
Hydrate
Dehydration causes headaches and happens before you get thirsty. Head it off by sipping water regularly.
Reduce Screen Time
You can’t avoid screen time. After all, work and recreation would be tough without screens. However, if you feel addicted to screens or just that you spend too much time staring at a screen, it’s a good idea to reduce your screen time. Try one of these apps.
Take Ten Deep Breaths
Shallow breathing can increase stress and stress can increase shallow breathing. It’s a frustrating cycle. But it’s easy to break by sitting still and taking ten deep breaths. As a bonus, focusing on something simple like your breathing will calm your mind down too.
No Technology Day
Too much technology stressing you out? Pick a day of your weekend where you embrace your inner Luddite. Instead of puttering around on the Internet or watching Netflix all day, you can get out into nature, meet up with friends, play a recreational sport, host a board game night, or just read a book.
To really cement your no-tech day, set up Do Not Disturb on your phone. This will block most calls but let really important ones through.
Sit Less
You’ve probably seen the headlines about sitting too much being linked to all kinds of health problems. Fortunately, you can avoid that with a few simple adjustments. Try doing a standing meeting. Or take calls while you go for a short walk. It can even help to stand up and stretch for a minute or two.
