5 quick work stress relievers

Often feel your stress levels rising at work? We've got 5 quick and easy stress hacks to help you kick that tension.

Feeling stressed at work? From looking at cute animals to assuming the tree pose in the ladies loo, try these 5 quick fixes to bring you back from breaking point.

1. Eat happy
Happy foods exist, and rejigging your daily diet can have an immediate effect on your mood. Look for foods high in omega-3 fats like salmon, snacks that pack vitamin C like citrus fruits, and certain vitamins and minerals found in nuts, eggs, kale, spinach, beans, lentils and chickpeas.

2. Look at cute animals
As if you need an excuse eh? Yes, a few minutes spent looking at pictures of cute dogs and fluffy kittens can help to ease stress and rebalance your emotions. Here's a gallery we prepared earlier.

3. Get outside
Take a walk outside on your break to get some fresh air and escape your work environment. Even five minutes spent outdoors can help. Looking at nature is a known stress reliever too, so if you're lucky enough to have some greenery nearby, head there to take a few moments for yourself.

4. Make a list
Simple yet effective. Making a list of everything you need to get done can help you focus on the priorities, give you a clearer picture of the situation, and did we mention the fist pump feeling you get when one of those tasks gets a big thick line through it?

fist pump baby-funny meme pictures-good housekeeping uk

5. Assume the tree pose
We're serious. Deep breathing and a good stretch can help clear the mind and reduce tension build-up, so when you feel things are getting a bit much, find yourself a quiet corner (or toilet cubicle) and try this simplified version of the yoga tree pose.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, arms relaxed at your sides and head facing forward. Close your eyes and as you take a deep breath in (really fill your lungs), raise your arms slowly towards your head and stretch them up and out. Lower your arms back down as you slowly exhale, and repeat three times.

Good to go!

Got any more quick and easy stress relievers? Tweet us @GHmagazine or join us on Facebook!

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