5 ways to de-stress at work

It’s probably not a surprise that the top five life stressors include death of a family member, divorce, getting married, a new job/workplace concerns and financial problems.

According to the American Psychology Association, 76% of Americans say money is a major cause of stress. The stressors surrounding money and the workplace are often intertwined as worries range from salaries, to how to pay bills and save more.

The standard advice of taking time to care for yourself to alleviate stress holds true in both our home and work life.

But sometimes, the office stress seems unavoidable, leaving you feeling tense and constantly on edge. It doesn’t have to get to that point.

Here are some ways to dial down the workplace stress and boost productivity.

Massage your ear: Acupressurists and massage therapists say there are certain spots on your ear that release positive endorphins. The Shenmen point, which is located inthe middle of the upper third of your ear, eases stress while giving you an energy boost.

Stock up on stress-busting foods: On particularly rough days, add some fish like salmon or sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, to a dark leafy green salad for lunch. Or sprinkle ground flaxseed into a smoothie. Since stress can hit at anytime, try always having some dark chocolate or pumpkin seeds on hand for a mood boost when you need it most.

Hand acupressure: There’s a muscle between your thumb and index finger that when massaged in small circles, will help release the tension from your hands, shoulders and neck.

Take a breather (literally): Before you let loose on a co-worker, hit pause. Just take three to five seconds to close your eyes and breathe from your belly, not your chest. (You’ll know you are doing it the right way if your belly pushes out.) Do it several times a day as needed and you’ll notice it really does keep you calm.

Take a break: Even if you don’t have time to go for a long walk, you can take a break from looking at your screen, emails or taking that phone call. Look out the window, talk to colleague who makes you laugh, take a moment to rearrange a few things on your desk, or even look at the screen saver on your phone to remind you of the good you have in your life. A simple shift in your focus can help put things in perspective and ease that sensation of being overwhelmed.