English 
It is very easy to get stressed out. Between work, families, caring for our bodies, being social, and finding time to rest, it is easy to find yourself in a constant cycle of stress. While it is impossible to avoid stress entirely, learning ways to manage that stress can make all the difference. While taking a long vacation might sound like a one-way ticket to stress relief and a day at the spa might be a temporary fix, there are far more practical options to make your everyday stresses far more bearable. If you have thought about being stressed this week or today, we’re here to help.
Below are seven tricks to de-stress throughout your workday.
Work Off Some Stress
Exercise can really help to lower stress levels and recenter your focus. Fortunately, we don’t need fancy gym memberships or an hour-long workout to make it happen. Taking 10-minutes to do a quick YouTube workout at home or to walk a few laps around your office can make a world of difference.
Stick to Your Plan
A game plan is crucial when tackling a stressful day. A mile-long to-do list seems a lot more bearable when you have a plan for how you are going to get everything done. At a minimum, write down your tasks, but for optimal stress relief plan out your day. Start with what has to be done at specific times, like meetings or picking up your kids from school. Then, fill in your other tasks and assign times for when you plan to work on those things. Make sure you don’t forget breaks! By scheduling your busiest days out, you will have a plan to get everything done and will be more motivated to stay on task instead of stressing about getting it all done.
Meditate to Melt Away Stress
Meditation is a game-changer for many and has taken off in the last few years. While it can be challenging at first, once you get in the habit of taking a few minutes to meditate when you’re feeling stressed, soon you will be managing your stress like a professional. The best thing about meditating is you can do it from anywhere. Whether you’re sitting at your desk, waiting on your children at soccer practice, or having a glass of wine after a long day, taking a few moments to meditate can make a world of difference in your overall mental health and your daily stress levels.
Clean-Up & Change Up Your Workspace
Nothing adds to stress more than a messy workspace. Trying to work in a mess quickly makes you feel like a mess, and that doesn’t help at all. Take five minutes to clean your desk off, tidy up your work bag or archive your emails, and soon you’ll notice just how much more prepared you are to take on the day.
Lighten the Mood with a Good Playlist
Good music doesn’t have to be saved for a party or solo dance party. Listen to mood-boosting music on your daily commute, do some shower karaoke while you get ready in the morning, or throw in some headphones while you work on a project at your desk. Music can boost your mood and make you feel less stressed. Whether you need to zone in on a project or lighten the mood after a tough meeting, you can find the perfect playlist to make your workday infinitely better.
Reconnect with a Friend or Co-Worker
Sometimes the best way to destress is by simply venting. Talking to a friend, significant other, or close coworker can help you to get your feelings off your chest instead of bottling them up inside. Even better, they may be able to provide you advice or insight that you may not have considered. By spending time with the people you love, your brain releases the hormone oxytocin and makes you feel happier. Feeling happier makes you feel less stressed. And the same thing goes for the person you are talking to, making a little quality time mutually beneficial for both of you.
Join Networking in High Heels
Stress may not be avoidable, but it is manageable. How can you put these tips to use in your professional life? Join the Networking in High Heels community for more tips and tricks and let us know how you prefer to manage stress.
