Do you feel like you only just managed to reach that perfect state of Zen when the holidays were already over and it was time to head back to the busy office? If only it would be possible to carry on with that holiday mood for a little bit longer and take that Zen feeling to your busy work environment, where due dates are looming over you like an unexpected summer thunderstorm.
When you are overwhelmed with due dates, noise and rush, there are proven ways to de-stress and stay calm. Reaching the inner calm is not complicated, but takes a little bit of practice. Here are a few tips on how you can manage the stress, no matter how hectic things get.
Preparation is key. Chances are, you already know what to expect once you set foot back in the office. It will be busy, your boss will be bursting with ideas after a few weeks off and your colleagues are keen to tell you everything about their overseas trips. So start your day by taking a moment to mentally prepare yourself for the situation; go through different scenarios and set yourself up with a positive response. This doesn’t have to be full-on meditation, just a little bit of visualisation while you sip your morning brew or commute to work.
Arrived back at your desk and your inbox is bursting from its seams? Pause for a moment before hitting the reply button. Try to organise your inbox according to priority, then take a pen and paper to jot down a rough schedule. Physically ticking things off your list will help you to remain focused and give you a sense of achievement.
Speaking of your desk, try surrounding yourself with the things that you love. Invest in pieces that are beautiful and functional, from key organisers, notebooks and water bottles, to other essentials that you use every day. You may not realise it, but the reason your home environment feels so comfortable is partly that you are surrounded by things that are familiar and aesthetically pleasing to you.
If it all feels like too much to take in, then take a break and move around. Better yet, go for a brisk walk during your lunch break or hit the gym if you have the time. Exercise is proven to decrease your stress levels and getting away from your desk is a great way to reflect and put things into perspective.
Finally, stick to routines. You might think of routines as boring, but they actually help us take the stress out of the day. Prioritise sleep, exercise and healthy eating, and you are likelier to handle the office a bit better the next day.
This guest post was gracefully written by our contributor Maria Laitinen