Even though you love your job, work can get pretty stressful at times! We all get overwhelmed and nervous sometimes, but it is super important to manage your stress and ensure that your anxieties don't interfere with your work performance. Here are some tips to help you relax instantly when you find yourself collapsing under stress.
1. Just breathe! Close your eyes, go to your happy place, and breathe in as deeply as you can. Hold for a few seconds, then exhale. Repeat at least six times and you will feel more relaxed. Deep, diaphragmatic breaths will increase blood flow to the brain allowing you to think more clearly and controlling your breath can trick your natural instinct to panic and kick your anxiety to the curb!
2. Loosen up! If you're under a lot of stress, chances are your body is going to suffer. Emotional tension often translates into physical tension of the muscles. Close your eyes, tense up your muscles, and then relax them. Do this with each muscle group starting from your toes, moving towards your head.
3. Give yourself a pep-talk! I know, I know. It sounds lame, but it can really help you to get out of your own head. Whenever you get a flood of negative thoughts or anxieties, fight back with some positive thoughts. Jot down a list of your strengths and things you're good at. Focus on neutralizing your thoughts and don't let the stress get you down!
4. Take a whiff! Studies have shown that certain scents can provide instantly calming effects. A few oils known to aid in relaxation are basil, chamomile, lavender, thyme and peppermint. Keep a small vile of one of these oils in your desk or purse. Better yet, keep a small basil, thyme or mint plant in your office!
5. Pump up the jam! We all have those songs that make us feel like we can conquer the world. (Have you ever seen those guys at the gym pumping iron in front of the mirror, looking like they want to fight their own reflection? You know they must be bumping some serious tunes to be that psyched up!) Make a playlist of some songs of "The Final Countdown" caliber and crank them up next time you're not feeling on top of your game.
6. Prioritize! Make a list of everything that needs to be done and when. Sometimes our brains can get so clustered with thoughts and it can drive us crazy! Get it all out on paper so you can visualize what needs to be done. Set deadlines and make a game-plan for how you're going to get everything completed on time.
7. When all else fails, Fake it 'til you make it! I can vouch for this one from personal experience. I don't know why, but I have always been one of those nervous nellies. There have been many times when I have been paralyzed by my nerves (especially during interviews! Ugh...I don't even like to think about it). However, I just walk in with my head held high trying to hide the fact that I was a nervous wreck and judging by the outcome, I don't think they had a clue that I was on the verge of passing out! The more you put yourself out there, the easier it will become. No one is ever judging you as harshly as you are judging yourself.
The bottom line is....We're all human and we all freak out sometimes. But if you can make things a little easier on yourself by using your favorite de-stressing technique, go for it! No matter how anxiety-ridden you may be, hold your head high and NEVER LET 'EM SEE YOU SWEAT!!!!
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