A mentor once told me, “The higher you go [in a company], the more of your time the company owns.” As a manager, I can attest that this is true and accurate!
Sometimes, it seems like we’re constantly being pulled in 100 different directions at once. For a lot of us, work is a huge drain on our energy and consumes a lot of time.
Money gives you options like taking trips, getting that new car you’ve had your eye on or stashing away money in a “rainy day” fund. Obviously, work is necessary so you can afford those things, and sometimes it gets overwhelming and frustrating. Some days it isn’t easy, but I do my best to not let situations at work get me down.
Here are 5 simple techniques I use to re-energize myself at work.
Choose to be happy. Most of the time I walk around work with a smile on my face. To some people it’s a mystery as to where my smile comes from when there is so much going on. For me, being happy is a choice. I could easily walk around there looking like I am pissed off at the world, but I choose not to and be positive instead. Smiling instantly changes my mood; it relaxes me even if it’s temporary.
Walk it out. Getting out of the office and walking is one of my favorite ways to unwind during the day. I think of almost any excuse to get up and move. I’ll sit in my office and think, “I’ll go over to the other building to see how Juan, Jon and Eric (a few of my direct reports) are doing.” Not only do I get some exercise, I’ll get a few laughs from my team. They’re funny and good at what they do.
Just B R E A T H E. When it’s hard for me to break away from the office for a power walk, I’ll sit in my office, close my eyes and breathe. I inhale deeply, hold it for five seconds and exhale. For a few minutes, I can still my mind and focus on my breathing. Five minutes is good enough for me. Try it! [This is also known as mindfulness] 🙂
Get a massage. At work? I wish! Make an appointment. For example, if I’m having a rough week, and I have an appointment coming up, I take a few deep breaths and think about how relaxed I feel after the massage. Then, I tell myself, “I just have to make it to 3:45PM on Thursday (the time I typically leave to get a 90 min massage every month).” For me, this is usually enough for me to power through the day. Making the appointment gives me something more to look forward to.
Sing. Yes, you read that correctly. I sit in a secured area so I’m limited on options for music. Thankfully, I have a mix of 80’s rock, gospel and hop-hop at my desk. Let’s Go Crazy by Prince is one of my all time favorites. At times I get caught lip syncing and dancing in my chair but it makes me feel great! (I’m weird, and I love it.) 🙂
These are my favorite ways to relax. These methods have got me through some rough days (and weeks).
How do you relax at work? Which of these five things do you resonate with the most?
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