5. Daydream
Structured daydreaming actually makes people more productive and less stressed. It might surprise you, but taking some time to let your mind wander allows your mind to take a restful break.
Try taking a few minutes every hour to let your mind wander, and see how you feel! Likely, you’ll start experiencing stress-relieving benefits.
This is also helpful for boosting creativity, breaking through writer’s block, and coming at workplace challenges from a new perspective.
6. Stretching
Stress affects people differently, but for many people stress manifests in the body as pain. Stress is often felt in the shoulders, neck, face and head, upper back and stomach (among other places). Try releasing that tension with a few quick stretching stress relief exercises you can do without even leaving your office!
Rest your head
You may not realize it, but your face is likely holding onto tension. Try stretching out your face muscles by opening your mouth up as wide as you can, then scrunching your face as much as you can. Alternate these two faces (you can even try sticking your tongue out as you open your mouth wide and exhale, for ‘Lion’s Breath’, a yoga breath practice).
Shoulder Stretches
Stretch your shoulders by squeezing them up towards your ears as you inhale, then relaxing them down as you exhale. Repeat this process a few times and start to feel the tension release.
Neck Relaxation
Relax neck tension by tilting your chin up towards the sky. Take your lower lip over your upper lip to stretch out the front of your neck. Now come back to center, and turn your head so that your chin moves over your right shoulder. Look as far over your right shoulder as possible to give your eyes a stretch as well! Repeat on the left side.
Upper Back Release
A great way to release your upper back is by taking gentle twists. Sitting in your office chair, inhale and lift both arms up over your head. Then as you let your breath go, take your left hand to the outside of your right knee. Circle your right hand down to the chair behind you. Holding onto the chair and your knee, lengthen your spine as much as you can, and breath into the twist! Hold for around 5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.
Stomach Stretches
If you’re experiencing pain and stress in your stomach, try this gentle stretch. You’ll need somewhere to lay down for this one, as well as a few pillows or rolled up blankets. Place the pillows or blankets in a small stack on the ground, then lay down with the stack underneath your low back. You can have your knees bent and feet on the floor or legs out long, whichever feels best in your body! Stay in this pose for 10 breaths, and actively focus on softening your abdominal muscles with each exhale.