Unfortunately, work-related stress is often a dark cloud that constantly hangs over our heads. We often find it difficult to disconnect and overcome our worries. Fortunately, regardless of whether your stress is caused by a micromanaging boss, an overload of responsibilities, long work hours or financial worries, here we offer 4 life-saving tips that can help you disconnect from the frenzies of work and beat the stress.
1. Stop overthinking
We sometimes experience stress simply because we are caught in a cycle of overthinking that we can’t stop. Our worries, fears and what-ifs keep replaying in our minds, when, in fact, it is often said that only 10% of our fears ever come true. Fortunately, psychological studies show that, with practice, we can interrupt this vicious cycle. Cognitive-behavioral psychologists often recommend that we mindfully observe our thoughts, identify when an irrational fear creeps in and simply dismiss the thought. Just saying “stop” or imagining the worry floating away in a bubble can help you mentally let go of it. Reasoning your way through overthinking and setting an action plan in place can also help. If you’re worried about something you can control, take steps to address the issue. If you fear that something might happen, ask yourself what truly are the probabilities of that fear coming true. Often, you will find that you’re worried for no real reason, simply caught in the cycle of fear.
2. Dedicate yourself to your hobbies
Dedicating yourself to hobbies can be especially therapeutic because it provides a refreshing change of pace, scenery and activity. Focusing exclusively on work is a quick road to burnout and hobbies can break up the monotony, giving you new strength to return to work rejuvenated and ready to tackle your tasks. Creative hobbies like drawing or playing an instrument can be especially freeing because they are considered right-brained tasks. Particularly if you’re trapped at a desk job performing predominantly left-brained tasks (the ones that engage the rational side of your brain, like organization, finance, scheduling, etc.), switching things up by engaging in right-brained, creative activities can be especially refreshing. Hobbies like sports can also be beneficial because they help you burn off nervous energy and contribute to your overall health. Turn off your email notifications during the weekend, immerse yourself in some hobbies and see how much more rejuvenated you feel when you return to work on Monday.
3. Family & friends: best treatment for stress
Connect to what truly matters in life. Studies show that family and friends are truly the best treatment for stress. We are designed to live in community and those bonds we create with our loved ones are scientifically proven to reduce stress by producing detectable changes in brain chemistry, such as an increase in oxytocin, which boosts mood and lowers anxiety. With friends and family, laughs are guaranteed and laughing has also been scientifically proven to trigger a variety of health benefits, such as improved heart health and, of course, a reduction in stress. Who doesn’t love a good laugh? If you’re going through a period of stress and need to disconnect, consider scheduling a family game night.
4. Take care of your body to enrich your interior life
You can’t feel well emotionally if you’re not feeling well physically, so taking care of your body is essential to enriching your interior life. That includes adequate nutrition, regular exercise and time to relax. Analyze your diet and evaluate whether you are eating primarily whole foods (unprocessed foods) like veggies, fruits, whole grains, proteins and healthy fats. Cut back on refined sugar and packaged foods with preservatives. Also make sure you’re getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Make sure it’s an activity you enjoy and that works for your body, whether that’s walking, jogging, yoga, team sports or dancing, and switch it up every now and then so that you don’t get bored.
Moments of deep relaxation and pampering are essential to taking care of your body and your interior life. AIRE Ancient Baths is the ideal place to do that. Much more than a spa, AIRE is a holistic relaxation experience modeled after the ancient Greco-Roman tradition of thermal baths. With 6 locations around the world (New York, Chicago, Barcelona, Almería, Sevilla and Vallromanes), you can surely find one near you and plan a relaxing getaway. You’ll be able to tour their thermal baths, get massages by candlelight, enjoy fine dining and much more, all while gazing at the beauty of their restored historical buildings. You’ll be transported to a totally different time and place. There is no better way to relax and disconnect.
