A workplace is often a stressful place. However, you likely spend about eight hours a day, five days a week. Because you spend so much time there, wouldn't you like the workplace to be a little more calming? Learn how to make your workplace more relaxing by using the tips below.
Quiet Music
Playing quiet music at your desk can help to relieve stress. Classical music is one of the most calming types of music. However, feel free to listen to whatever you like. Your music preference can help to determine how calming listening to music can be. For example, listening to heavy metal might be calming for some people but extremely stressful to others.
However, make sure that you are playing music at a very low volume or that you are wearing headphones. Just because you find the music calming doesn't mean your coworkers will.
Yoga
While employees probably can't do yoga at their desk, yoga is something that can easily be done on lunch breaks, and even on shorter breaks. As an added bonus, it also serves as a healthy form of exercise. Yoga gets you up and moving. By focusing on yoga moves, you will be less focused on work and the stress around you.
There is a variety of yoga poses to try at work. If you have a lot of room and time, try a whole yoga routine. If you are in a crowded work environment, even just doing a few stretches can help.
Essential Oils
There are a variety of essential oils that claim to be able to reduce anxiety and relieve stress. Some of the best ones to check out include lavender, black pepper, jasmine, chamomile, and copaiba essential oil.
There are a few ways to use essential oils to promote a relaxing work environment. If you are working with a group of people who are fine with it, try putting a few drops of any of the above essential oils into a diffuser. This will mist the oils into the air and create a calming scent. If your coworkers don't want you to do this, try mixing the oils with a carrier oil, put it into a rolling stick, and rub it on your temples whenever you feel stressed.
Dark Chocolate
If you are in the mood for a sweet treat, try eating dark chocolate to improve your mood. Dark chocolate contains naturally occurring flavanols and methylxanthines. These help to boost people's moods when eaten in moderation. Because of this, it can help to treat stress and anxiety.
Buy a bag or bar of dark chocolate the next time you are feeling stressed out at work. Eating a small serving of dark chocolate at a time (about two squares or pieces of dark chocolate) and provide a temporary mood boost.
Walks
If something or someone is stressing you out while you're at your desk, one of the best things you can do is get up and take a walk. Getting away from a stressful situation, if even for a minute or two, can help you to calm down.
There are a couple of ways to get more walks in at work. Often times, office workers need to get up to get more office supplies or just to use the restroom. When this occurs, try taking an extra lap or two around the office. Otherwise, try taking a short walk on your lunch break. If you can, take your walk outside. This can help you to get some much-needed fresh air!
Everyone knows that the workplace can sometimes be a stressful place. Whether you work in an office, kitchen, at home, or have a traveling position, all or most of these tips to lessen stress at work can help. So, the next time you're feeling stressed, try using some essential oils, do a few stretches, or just munch on a square of chocolate to see your mood improve!
Related: 5 Tips for Creating a More Positive Working Environment