Summer is here, the busy season of the self-storage industry. If you are like many of us you are feeling the heat, literally and figuratively. Sometimes we all need a little help de-stressing our lives. Here are some quick tips to help you have a less stressful day.
Get Up and Move
(Photo Cred: Dominik Steinmetzler)
We’ve all heard that exercising helps create endorphins, which trigger an overall positive feeling in the body. Getting up off of your chair and moving around for a little while has the same effect. If you are feeling stressed by a customer interaction, phone conversation, etc., get up and walk. Do a lap around the facility, go for a walk to the gas station, do some jumping jacks in the office, whatever you need to do to move for a couple minutes. Endorphins from exercise also help increase energy levels, ward off anxiety and feelings of depression, and boost self-esteem.
Breathe Deeply
If you are starting to stress out you might not be breathing regularly (and might not even realize it). Take a step back and take several deep breaths. Focus on the sound of your breath to help clear your mind. Breathing deeply can help increase energy, clear your mind, and make you feel less stress because deep breaths make your body feel like it does when you are already relaxed.
It may seem obvious, but do you know how to breathe deeply, correctly? “Breathe deeply into your abdomen, not just your chest” Robins Gregory, fitness blogger, said. “Proper breathing should be deep, slow and rhythmic and done through the nose, not the mouth. Each breath should ideally last three to four seconds breathing in and three to four seconds breathing out.
Step Away From The Screen
Have you been staring at your computer screen for too long? Heavy technology use has been linked to fatigue, stress and depression. According to a study at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy, frequently using a computer without breaks further increases the risk of stress, sleeping problems and depressive symptoms, especially in women. If you’ve been in front of the computer for several hours, it’s time to switch tasks. Do something else in the office or go out in the yard and work on outdoor jobs.
Put On Some Music
Music can have profound effects on your mental state and the way you feel physically. Feeling stressed? Put on some relaxing music or a song that you associate with happiness. “Relaxing music reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, decreases anxiety, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate and may have positive effects on sleep via muscle relaxation and distraction from thoughts” eMed Expert said. When you listen to slow, quiet classical music, it causes physical relaxation, reduces negative emotions, and can help you feel more energized.
Watch A Funny Video Online
Need to de-stress? Here in our office, if we are all starting to feel a little stressed we watch a funny video online. “Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain,” explains the Mayo Clinic. Need a funny video to start with? Check out one of our office favorites.
Eat A Banana
(Photo Cred: Brock Collin)
If you are feeling stressed, take a break and eat a banana. The potassium in the banana will help to regulate blood pressure, which rises during times of stress. It will also boost your energy. Don’t like bananas? Sweet potatoes, spinach, peas, tomatoes, grapefruit, fat-free yogurt, raisins and tuna, are all also potassium-rich foods.
Count Your Blessings
Studies show that being grateful and having a positive attitude helps decrease stress levels. Make a list of everything you are grateful for or visualize someone you are appreciative to have in your life. According to Robert Emmons, PhD, grateful people report higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm and energy. Grateful people also report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction and lower levels of depression and stress.
How do you cut down on your stress? Share your de-stressing tips below!