There is hardly a job that is not stressful, whether be it fieldwork, working with the public, customer services, or even office work. But what causes stress and how can we better manage it, so it doesn’t negatively affect us?
Stress arises from a situation of pain and emotions, which are significant factors common in our work environment; they affect both our physical and mental reaction, which starts from the brain. The brain is built as a perfect organ that helps control our stress level during a hard day at work. The hypothalamus of the brain helps sends messages across the body during stress through a channel of communication called the nervous system. Our body responds to such high level of hormonal release by having an increased heart rate, high level of oxygen intake, and even marked increase of adrenaline; cortisol, a hormone is then released to control the level of stress.
Stress itself could also be chronic, and it could put your health at risk causing headaches, the risk of heart attack, high blood sugar, and even stomach ache, but doesn’t have to be this way. By adopting new habits, you can easily lower your stress levels after a hard day at work for a happier, more rejuvenated you. Here are some ideas that will help.
Have A Drink With Friends
Meeting the deadline in the workplace is the most common cause of high-stress levels in the work environment. One study conducted by the University of California found that sugar-sweetened beverages like juices can help reduce stress responses. The study discovered that individuals assigned to sugar-sweetened drinks had a lower level of cortisol, as the sugar helped the brain to regain lost energy due to stress triggered responses. This helps to counter the effect of sudden degeneration of cells of the brain and the release of stress hormones.
Go For A Swim
Swimming is one of the best therapies when it comes to being in a meditative atmosphere. The cold and cooling sensation of the water helps trigger more release of cortisol. Swimming also increases the number of cells that might have degenerated as a result of the high-stress level. In fact, swimming therapy has proven to lower depression, anxiety, thus making you feel happy and healthier.
Get Creative
Exploring your creativity with pursuits such as painting, drawing and creating buttons can be very effective when it comes to unwinding and promoting relaxation. Creating handmade gifts for loved ones can be a great way to express how important they are to you. You can present them to friends and family during birthdays, family reunions. Everyone loves buttons, after all!
Read Motivational Books
Books generally have a way of stealing your attention from a bad mood or depressed state. Unwinding your stress level after work can be challenging for some individuals when it comes to reading motivational books. A motivational book works both with the mind and helps to lower heart rate. Once the heart rate is decreased, it sends an intense sensation of calmness.
Take A Tour During The Weekend
Weekends are generally meant for regaining our burnout energy. Going to places like the zoo or the movies is a great way to reduce both the depression and stress caused by our work environments. Visiting new sites helps to reconnect with ourselves and make us happy
Have A Massage
When was the last time you had a massage? If it has been a long time, it is advisable to do so, especially for individuals that are engaged in strenuous and stressful activities like construction and heavy-duty jobs. Massage therapy is more than just relaxing the bones and muscles; it can also be mentally stimulating, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension, and improves sleep.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is known to refresh us mentally and spiritually. This ritual exercise has a sole aim of controlling and calming the mind. Due to the low-impact of the different poses of yoga, it greatly assists to reduce stress, improve cognitive function and promote relaxation. Taking yoga lessons from a professional yoga instructor can be an effective way of reducing stress after a hard day’s work.
Listen To Music
Music generally is divided into different genres, like hip-hop, jazz, blues, pop and many more. The slow and classical vibes of jazz can create a soothing atmosphere after hard work. The nodding of the head, tapping of the feet and even singing along can help reduce your stress level drastically. This kind of therapy act as a distraction from our worries and also helps us rejuvenate enough to face the next working day.
Set A Schedule
When your activities are not properly scheduled after work, you are probably going to have a hectic evening after work. Many people find it difficult to cope with stress after work especially parents. That’s why compiling a to-do list can help you set aside programmes of activities that will guide you throughout the day. Having your to-do list well-structured and planned can help free up enough time to relax.
Attend Events And Comedy Shows
Attending events and shows works for individuals who want to take their mind off work once they have left the building. As laughter is the best medicine, concerts, and comedy shows can help to release the happiness hormone called endorphins. Laughter not only helps to reduce stress but helps circulate blood around the body to help relax our muscles and increase intake of oxygen.
Engage In A Cardio Workout
Cardio workouts range from cycling, jumping, sprinting and rowing. Regular cardio workout two to three times a week can significantly help to reduce stress after work, relaxes the muscles and can also help to improve sleep. During such activities, endorphins are also released which helps to control the level of stress and anxiety.
Have A Chat With A Close Friend Or Relative
Talking to a loved one can help lighten our burdens. Discussions are meant to bring out the best in us, and sharing insights on politics, romance, sports during such discussion can be the best way to diminish the stress after a hard day’s work at the office.
