7 Ways To Relieve Stress While Sitting At Your Desk

Even if you really love your job, you probably experience some stress at work. Does the daily grind ever feel like it is literally grinding you down? Does work stress make you less productive and less happy? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Try these 7 methods for relieving stress while sitting at your desk. These stress-relieving tips will help you have a healthier and happier workday.

1. Try meditation breaks.

If the word meditation makes you conjure up images of sitting in a lotus position on a fancy cushion and chanting “Om,” you’re probably missing out on a life-changing tool.

Try adding some little moments of mindfulness meditation to your workday.

 

This can be as simple as closing your eyes and focusing on breathing for a few moments. Notice your thoughts but just let them float on by and keep returning to the present moment.

2. Do a visualization exercise.

If meditation is a little too out there for you, try a disciplined form of daydreaming to reap the same benefits.

Visualization exercises can trick your brain and lower your stress in the process.

Close your eyes and imagine that you’re in a beautiful, peaceful place. It can be your favorite spot or a place you’ve never been before. Really focus and try to feel as many details as possible.

 

Parts of your brain can’t tell the difference between reality and what you imagine, so your body will experience some of the same relaxation effects that you would if you were really there.

3. Get some exercise while you work.

Exercise has been proven to play an important role in lowering stress levels. Adding some little bursts of exercise to your workday can make a big difference.

You can take a walk during your lunch break, or have a walk-and-talk meeting.

Treadmill desks are becoming popular, though they probably aren’t an option for most offices.

One great solution that you can put right under your desk is a mini under-desk bicycle. Pedaling while you work will help you leave stress behind and ride right into productivity.

These unobtrusive mini-bicycles are quiet so they won’t disrupt the workplace.

Treadmill desks are becoming popular, though they probably aren’t an option for most offices.

One great solution that you can put right under your desk is a mini under-desk bicycle.

Pedaling while you work will help you leave stress behind and ride right into productivity. These unobtrusive mini-bicycles are quiet so they won’t disrupt the workplace.

4. Doodle.

If you got in trouble for doodling back in school, you’ll be happy to learn that doodling has been vindicated.

Doodling can actually help you to focus and can spark creativity.

Doodling will get the creative juices flowing which may help you subconsciously come up with solutions to current challenges. This can help bring down your stress levels.

5. Find the funny.

No matter how dull your work can be, there are always opportunities for humor. Inserting moments of levity into your workday can boost your spirit while bringing down stress levels and boosting energy. Just the act of smiling and laughing triggers a biological response that has both short and long term benefits.

Decorate your desk with a few items that make you smile when you look at them. Post cartoons that always make you chuckle.

Take a few minutes downtime each day to listen to a favorite comic or watch funny videos on YouTube. Share a joke with a coworker.

The more you laugh, the lower your stress will be. If your job is particularly serious, it’s even more important to introduce at least a bit of lightness and fun to your workday.

6. Get a plant.

Being stuck inside can sometimes be depressing and this can exacerbate stress. Introducing a bit of nature to your workspace can be calming. Studies have even shown that having a plant at work can improve your cognitive performance.

 

Most plants need sunlight, but there are some plants that can handle a windowless space. Choose a plan that makes you happy to look at.

7. Stretch.

Stress and tension are stored in the body and just taking a few seconds to stretch can help it melt away. Add a simple routine of desk stretches to your workday, and both your body and mind will thank you.

Do you have a favorite way to relieve stress at work? What do you do at your desk to lighten your mental load? Let us know in the comments if we missed any great stress-busting ideas.