10 Super Simple Ways to Feel Less Stressed Today

Lisa Franchi November 10, 2014

Monday marks the start of another work week. It means we still have five long, tiring and draining days to spend at work. And the thought of working overtime or extending it to weekends usually make things feel worse.

You probably think about going to the spa, watching a movie, or taking a vacation. But like many others, you don’t have the luxury of time to do these. You can’t even prepare your own breakfast! Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ease your stress away this work week.

Here they are.

Sip on some green tea.

Preparing your cup of healthy green tea will only take you a minute or two, but its stress-busting effect can last for a long time. According to a study from Nagoya University Department of Psychology, green tea contains an amino acid that may influence your mental state under stress.

Do a little yoga.

You can do this right after you get up from bed (or even when you’re still on bed), few minutes before you go to work, and even while you’re at work! Yoga is really effective in alleviating symptoms of stress like fatigue and lethargy because it boosts blood flow in your body. There are so many anxiety-calming poses that are so easy to do.

Breathe slowly and deeply.

Whenever things go wrong (as they sometimes will), a great strategy you can always do is BREATHE. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly.

Snack on dark chocolates.

Just the thought of chocolates is enough to make you smile. But actually eating it can do great wonders in your mood! Numerous studies linked dark chocolates with lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, improved coronary artery health, and lower stress levels.

Ride a bike on your way to work.

If you can’t insert physical activity in your work hours, then do it ahead of time. Instead of driving, ride a bike on your way to work. If it isn’t possible, park your car somewhere where you can still take a walk to your workplace. In one British study, employees felt less stressed at work and were able to concentrate more when they had an active commute.

Eat some avocado.

Avocado may be fatty, but that doesn’t mean that it is bad for your health. It is in fact, considered one of the most nutritious foods on earth. Why? Avocado is extremely high in good fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that promote good health and protect you from heart disease, cancer and many other illnesses.

Jump-start an effective time management.

It’s better to plan ahead, so you don’t end up cramming to finish your tasks. Whether you make an Excel Sheet of your to-do stuff or just create a phone reminder, having a timeline is really an efficient way to manage your time and stay organised.

Keep a bottle of water nearby.

Dehydration can aggravate your stress levels and lead to fatigue-like symptoms. So make sure you’re staying hydrated.

Stay positive.

Mind over matter. This is a powerful technique that can lead to a more joyful life and much better health. Study after study shows that optimistic individuals are more inclined to open themselves up for opportunities to have positive, regenerative experiences.

Take a break!

Even just 10 minutes spent on quietness can have a significant impact on your mood and stress levels. Practising mindfulness meditation during your breaks can help you to decrease feelings of stress and anxiety even more.

Can you add more to these tips? Feel free to post your comment below.