We all reach levels of stress our body and mind need a break from. Knowing how to step back from your work life is key to living a happy balanced life. Here are a few ways to keep balance in your life and reduce stress to ensure you are the happiest and healthiest version of yourself.
Make time to Exercise
No matter how busy you are, it is so important to find time to fit exercise into your daily and weekly routine. Exercise can look different to everyone depending on your body type, abilities, and level of fitness.
If you are new to working out and unsure where to start, it may be best to sign up for something like a beginner yoga class. Yoga is known to have many positive effects on an individual’s overall health improving things like posture, flexibility, and circulation throughout your body. Be sure to take care of your body properly and hydrate before working out to get the most out of your workout.
Not only does exercise contribute to optimal physical health, but it also releases endorphins that make you feel happier and reduce stress.
Plan a Vacation in the Sun
It could be necessary to have a change in scenery altogether. Call up your friends or family members and plan a getaway to somewhere warm and relaxing. Book a cruise or tropical island getaway to have some fun in the sun and relax!
Spending time with old friends can make being yourself and finding your happiness a little easier. Share laughs and stories to escape reality while traveling together. Soaking up vitamin D from the sun is proven to improve mental and physical health.
You can even take a road trip to clear your mind and explore new areas! Pack a good book, create a relaxing playlist for traveling, and disconnect from your work world or reality that may be bringing you stress. We all need time for ourselves, so don’t look at this as a selfish but as needed time away to recoup and recharge mentally from your daily life.
Disconnect from Your Phone
Smartphones today are great resources to stay connected to your family, work life, and friends, but can also be a source of anxiety for people. Try to limit how much extra screen time you spend on your phone.
For many people scrolling through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook leads to comparing oneself to other people’s lives through pictures, making individuals feel lesser than others. There are even apps available that help track and cut down unnecessary screen time.
Keep a Journal
Writing your thoughts out daily in a journal or notebook can be a great way to not only relieve stress but also stay mindful of how you are feeling day to day. Not only does journaling combat the negative effects of stress, it is also proven to improve cognitive function.
There are various types of journals to try out, for example; keeping a gratitude journal is an easy start for those who may not love to write but want to try out this technique. Simply jot down what you are thankful for and take time to reflect positively on what you have vs. don’t have in your life.
Whether you’re writing emotional releases, reflecting gratitude, or listing goals for yourself, the best part about journaling is you can take it anywhere with you, even at your desk at work. This is just one of many ideas you can use in the office to destress.
All of these ideas are ways to step back from your life and take a mindful minute for yourself to regenerate and take on the world with a clearer, less overwhelmed mindset. These are just a few of the many ways to do that, but you know yourself better than anyone else. If necessary be sure to seek professional help when feeling too overwhelmed or stressed.
