Destress at Your Desk

If your workday tends to feel like a marathon that you did not train for, you aren’t alone. There are many parts of our day that we cannot control- From last second meeting additions, to sometimes having to work past your typical logoff time, it can be demanding. These days can leave you feeling stressed or stuck at your desk, but did you know you can hit “reset” in under five minutes? Follow along for five simple desk-friendly techniques to calm your mind and recharge!

1. Declutter Your Desk

Are you simply surviving and not thriving at your workspace? Are you looking around and seeing nothing but empty coffee mugs, stacks of papers you meant to shred last month, or even a thin layer of dust? Take just a few minutes of your day to get clean and organized. A good recommendation is to do some decluttering right when you get to work for the day. Start your morning off with a clear desk and mind with this simple fix!

2. Set Aside the Coffee

When a stressful day is among us, one of the most instinctual habits we have is to reach for the caffeine. That would probably explain the coffee cup clutter from tip one! Try switching from an afternoon coffee to a non-caffeinated drink such as tea or sparkling water. You may find that doing this keeps those mid-day jitters or crash away, leading to a more productive day!

3. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Another simple habit that you can introduce into your day is keeping a gratitude journal. Take a quick moment to write down 2–3 things that you’re grateful for or even that you’re looking forward to coming up. This daily act can help to shift your mindset especially on days where you feel so busy you can’t even think straight!

4. Deep Breathing Exercises

If there’s one thing you should never underestimate the power of, it’s deep breathing! Even just a few intentional and focused breaths can help to lower your heart rate and reset. If this seems intimidating to you or you’re struggling on where to start, try a short two-minute guided meditation to help you out.

5. Remember HALT

When all else fails, ask yourself: Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? - a strategy that is recommended by Dr. Bryan Robinson. Trying to identify and address one of the root causes to why you’re feeling the way that you’re feeling can make a big difference in how you feel.

Always remember that even the smallest changes can create a positive outcome. No matter how busy your day is, give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and reset both yourself and your workspace whenever you need it!