It’s just January, but for some of us, work is probably hectic as hell already. When you’re worrying about deadlines and 8 hours a day plus overtime just isn’t enough, it’s common to feel anxious and tense.
Now, just take a deep breath and read up on these easy tips that can help reduce your anxiety.
1. Scent therapy
Lavender and peppermint are especially helpful. Keep a balm or small lotion bottle in your purse at all times, and when things get rough, apply some on your hands, bring them to your face, and take a deep refreshing breath.
You can also buy scented candles or a tealight set. When you get back from work after an especially tiring day, light ’em up. The soft glow and soothing scent will calm you for the night.
2. Breathe
Deep breaths have always been helpful, but there’s a way to make them more effective. The 7-11 technique involves inhaling up to seven counts, and exhaling much longer, at 11 counts. Find out more here.
3. Visualize
Anxious about the presentation you’re about to do in fifteen minutes? Retreat to the bathroom or an empty meeting room. Sit down and relax your body. Imagine the most peaceful place you can think of, and involve all your senses. Imagine that you’re touching the grass or the sand, smelling the breeze, hearing the sound of water.
Stay there for a while, and come back refreshed and ready to face the rest of the day.
4. A tall glass of water
Being dehydrated can actually make you irritable and tense. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated all throughout the day. When you’re feeling anxious, drink up a glass of cold water, and imagine it washing away the bad vibes.
The warmth of drinks like herbal tea (preferably the kind without caffeine), turmeric, or salabat can also help you get into a calmer mood.
5. Mom’s voice
Hearing your mother’s voice has actually been proven to lower the stress hormone cortisol. So give your good old mom a call. You don’t even have to vent about what you’re anxious about: just ask about her day or what she had for lunch. A comforting, familiar voice can work wonders, even if she’s miles away.
Most people feel anxious about many things, but it’s usually short-term or manageable. But if your anxiety or worrying is already at a level where it’s interfering with your everyday life, it may be the clinical kind. Read more about it here, or talk to your doctor about it.
Featured image from Taylor Swift’s music video for “Story of Us” courtesy of Big Machine Records
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