In this connected world, people undergo stress more than in previous decades. The World Health Organization has tagged stress as the health epidemic of the 21st century, and it reportedly costs businesses in the US over $300 billion annually.
While awareness about mental health and self-care has risen dramatically, people can lessen stress and maintain the ideal work-life balance when they do little things. Not doing any work when you reach home can help set the right boundaries and remind people that they’re not on call 24/7.
If you’re feeling frayed at the edges, you can do the following things to unplug and manage work-related stress a bit better.
Play Games
It may sound like a simple solution, but playing helps alleviate stress. Whether it’s a game of badminton with co-workers or a playing catch with your kids at the yard, the concept of play gets your happy hormones going, much like exercise. It diminishes the negative feelings you feel and replaces them with a more positive mindset. If you’re preparing for a big presentation or a power meeting the next day, start a game. It will be more beneficial than overthinking your presentation and worrying about every little thing.
Gardening
Tending a garden and planting flowers teaches patience and restraint. Even if you’re only tending to a few herbs and potted plants, it’s a good way to reconnect with nature and get your mind off of work. If you have the time and space, getting your hands dirty is good therapy, especially if you are always on your phone or computer. Disconnecting for a few minutes a day helps give you a different perspective on things and allows you to stop and smell the roses.
Be Creative
Drawing and coloring are the first activities children do because it enhances their creativity and imagination. Painting and drawing classes for adults have become more popular because of its stress-relieving qualities. There is also a resurgence of grown-up and large coloring books, and it is now common to see adults sitting in cafes and parks using them.
Focusing on shapes and colors is a welcome diversion for many overwhelmed workers. Working on something creative allows them to feel amazed at what they can create with colors and pens. At the end of the session, you’ll be left with something beautiful you can admire and out on display.
Spend Time in Nature
Take a couple of days to go camping, go hiking, or go trekking in the forest. This will disconnect you from work, performance reviews, and other things about adult life which may be stressing you out.
Some people have started bathing in the forest environment. Forest bathing first became popular in Japan and has quickly caught on in other countries. Studies reveal it could lower blood pressure, help people relax, and lower cortisol levels.
Being one with nature gives people a fresh perspective.
If these suggestions still don’t work for you, it may be time to seek medical help. Unmanaged stress levels can wreak havoc on your body and also affect your mental health. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
