Thee are so many other health benefits of playing video games. If one relaxation technique doesn’t work for you, try another one. If none of your efforts at lessening your stress seems to work, talk https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to your healthcare professional about other options.
Practice progressive muscle relaxation.
Meditation has found to reduce stress levels and increase focus and concentration. Sit quietly, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let your thoughts flow freely without judgment. Of course, you might find yourself thinking about something funny or random, but that’s fine. Mort also recommended creating a wind-down routine you can look forward to at night. Listen to a guided meditation, read a book or practice some gentle stretching.
- Or you might thrive by integrating your work into your life routines throughout the week.
- According to research, indulging our creativity not only bolsters our mental health, but our physical health, too.
- Repeat 3-10 times, as necessary, and think about exhaling the stress through you.
- Getting this done regularly, like cleaning and organizing your workspace before work or at the end of the workday, will prevent you from dreading it.
How to Take Breaks From Work That Are Actually Rejuvenating
Puzzles are a straightforward and effective way to relieve stress and stay focused. Puzzle fans say that doing puzzles improves cognitive function, memory, and reasoning skills. Music is known to boost moods and improve overall well-being. Music can have significant effects on both the emotions and the body.
Prioritize your most challenging tasks.
- For example, find a book genre that appeals to what you like, and then allow yourself to get completely immersed in the narrative.
- Take a few minutes to practice diaphragmatic breathing if you have not already.
- Combine meditation for stress with deep breathing exercises to further reduce stress hormone levels.
- For starters, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages six to eight hours before bedtime.
- Whether it’s a brief saunter, a 5K run, or anything in between, the choice is yours.
At UW Medicine, our mission is to improve the health of the public. It might be the case, though, that you need more rest than you think and even a day off won’t be enough to recover from the exhaustion you’ve been experiencing. So also think about how much agency you have in when and how you take breaks — or whether you feel like you can ask for time off at all. The American Institute of Stress is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation founded in 1978. Your tax deductible gift allows us to continue helping you along with Service Members, First Responders, and civilians navigate stressful situations to have a happier, more rewarding life. You’ll have a much less stressful life just by doing your best.
Other examples of short breaks include practicing some breathing exercises, making Alcoholics Anonymous a cup of tea, or doing jumping jacks or stretches to give your brain a rest. “If you’re pretty high up on the slope, then even short breaks seem to really work, like going for a 10-minute walk, for example,” says Schabram. There is no correct work style or formula for work-life balance — it all depends on the person. You might do better setting a hard boundary and compartmentalizing work when you’re off the clock. Or you might thrive by integrating your work into your life routines throughout the week. A well-written book may be a one-way ticket out of hard times and into a whole other universe.
Tips for Taking a Mental Health Detox
Ideally, you should try and sleep for around six to eight hours of solid, uninterrupted shuteye each night. Having a regular sleep routine can improve your mental health, making it easier to chill out after a day’s work. Nothing beats stress like some good old-fashioned nature therapy. Studies show that spending time outside can dial Ways to Destress After Work down your stress levels, if you don’t suffer from untreated hay fever or other possible allergies! Take the time to walk barefoot in the grass and let the beauty of nature take you away.