7. Turn Off Notifications
While multitasking may seem like an accomplishment, research has begun to show us that multitasking is actually ineffective and typically lowers your quality of work. When you are focused on a project, turn off as many notifications as you can. Make sure that you communicate with the rest of your team that you’ll be away for a while (if your team uses Slack, try setting a status that says “focused” or something similar!).
If you’re anticipating receiving necessary information from someone else, make sure they can still contact you. It is best to give yourself 15 to 30 minutes of focused time. Try that out today and see how much more you get done, and how much less stressed you feel!
8. Plants and Pets
No one was meant to sit under florescent lighting and drop ceiling panels all day. It’s just not good for the soul. Conversely, being in or around nature has a natural, soothing effect on us, so get yourself some plants. The greener your workspace is, the better the stress relief results.
Animals have always been a fun way to relieve stress. Studies show that playing with a pet reduces stress hormones. So, take a few minutes a day to interact with a pet during work, or at least before and after work, if you can.