Regardless of the type of job you do, chances are, it can be stressful at times. Even if you don’t work in a typically high-pressure role, we all have expectations that have to be met as employees or business owners. Just the act of turning up to work each day at the right time when you’re tired (and would rather be doing anything else) can take its toll over time. If you’re feeling a little burned out, here are some easy ways you can bring down those stress levels without having to go anywhere or spend a load of money. And FYI- they really work! 

Hot Water

Whether you’re a bath or a shower kind of person, submerging in warm water is so good for you. It helps to ease stiffness and tension in the muscles, it can help to lower blood pressure, and it also gives you a chunk of time in your day where you can just clear your head and relax. After a day of thoughts swirling through your mind, a few minutes to just switch off can do wonders- don’t be afraid to go all out with some relaxing shower products, music and even light a candle. If you’re a member of a gym which has a jacuzzi or are lucky enough to have a hot tub at home, then these are also good options. 

Meditation

Meditation doesn’t require any special clothing or equipment. You don’t need to go outside and hug a tree, and you don’t need a lot of knowledge. Simply sit or lie down somewhere comfy and listen to a meditation video or audio- you can find these for free on apps or YouTube. These allow you to draw attention to the present moment, focus on your breathing and can really help to bring down stress levels. This might have been something you’ve overlooked in the past feeling that it won’t work, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Pop on a meditation audio while you’re lying-in bed before going to sleep and see if it helps you to get into a more peaceful state of mind. 

Play a game

If you have a tendency to ‘bring your work home with you’ mentally, you might find yourself ruminating and overthinking details of your day. A good way to get around this is by finding fun distractions, and gaming is a great way to go about this. From video games to board games to simple apps, if you find yourself spiraling and want to take your mind off your day then play a game and have some fun. It doesn’t have to be hugely challenging, for example you could use a ​​word unscrambler or a cheat code if you find you’re stuck and don’t want to spend too much time on certain levels. It’s more about keeping your mind busy. 

Massage

If you have a partner, then taking it in turns to give massages isn’t just relaxing but a great bonding experience. Otherwise, self-massage techniques on the hands, feet, limbs and face can be surprisingly effective. There are tons of videos online that explain how to do this. If you’re achy from work, it’s another way to feel better physically and mentally.