As a work-from-home mom/dad or solopreneur, you can get stressed by anything — a heavy workload, tight deadlines, your remote workers, finances, a crying kid, and more.
Maybe you thought that working from home will make you immune to stress but that’s simply not true. Stress is inevitable in life. The problem is having too much of it (a.k.a. “chronic stress”).
Before stress becomes worse and affects your focus at work, here are 7 stress busters you can do in 5 minutes.
Related: The 5 Ways to Start Your Mornings With Minimal Stress as a Solopreneur
1. Identify 3 things you see right now.
Stressed right now? Identify three objects that are in front of you at this very moment. The idea is to bring yourself to the presen. Be here right now. Don’t think too hard. Focus your attention to the things outside of yourself.
2. Do belly breathing.
Belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, is a technique that triggers relaxation. Here’s how to do it:
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Put one hand over your belly and the other hand on your chest.
- Breathe in deeply through your nose. As you do, allow your belly to push your hand out.
- Breathe out through pursed lips and let your belly go back in.
A study showed that participants who practiced deep breathing were more attentive and less stressed.
3. Do jumping jacks for 1 full minute.
This quick cardio exercise relieves stress and tension because your body releases endorphins. To reap the benefits, jump as many times as you can to get your heart racing and blood pumping.
4. Look at a peaceful scene.
Close your eyes and picture a natural scenery in your mind — perhaps a beach, mountains, meadows, or lavender fields. Imagine lightly touching flower petals or dipping your feet into cold spring water. Guided imagery relieves stress by focusing your attention to a beautiful setting.
5. Resist the urge to multi-task.
It may seem like multitasking is helping you get things done but the truth is, it doesn’t. Trying to bring your focus into many tasks at once stresses you. According to neuroscientists, multitasking uses up oxygenated glucose in your brain, making you feel tired. Focus on one task at a time. You will feel the difference.
Read: 8 Ways On How to Make Your Work Hours Really Count
6. Talk it over.
If someone in business is stressing you out, whether he/she is your employee or a business partner, communicate with the person. That way, you can deal with the issue right away and move on. It may be difficult to talk things out but it’s the one best thing you can do to end wrong assumptions and gain clarity.
7. Light a scented candle.
Get away from work for a five minutes. Find a comfortable spot where you can light a scented candle. Not only does a pleasant smell calm your nerves, but staring at the fire puts you in a hypnotic state. Think of the flame burning away your stress and negative feelings. Think of it as the source of love, hope, and success.
Stress doesn’t have to affect you longer than it should physically, mentally, and emotionally. Use these seven anti-stress hacks anytime you need them. Are you practicing one of them now? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
