If you spend more than half of your life at work, it’s crucial that you have a happy and healthy office environment. Relaxation is an essential part of any workplace. It helps workers decompress from the hectic pace of daily life, recharging their batteries so they are ready to take on new challenges. Research shows that relaxation habits like calm breathing, taking short naps, listening to pleasant music and petting animals help the brain produce chemicals that make workers feel happier and more focused. Therefore, incorporating these office rituals can not only improve your well-being but also increase your ability to think creatively, solve problems and retain information. When done regularly, these activities can also decrease stress and fatigue as well as strengthen your immune system.

Create a workspace that feels conducive to relaxation

If you spend most of your day in an office setting, you'll likely be surrounded by technology. The right tech can make work more manageable, but it can also cause stress if you use it improperly. It's important to create a space in your office where you can unwind. Try to keep your workspace clutter-free — you'll be able to see things more clearly, which will make everything seem less overwhelming. If you have a desk job, try using your desk as an overflow area where you can put papers and other items that don't need to be accessible immediately. You'll also be able to set up your workspace so that the rest of the room feels less like a distraction when you need to focus. opts for office furniture that doesn't have lots of bright colors or patterns, and try to avoid putting anything on the walls that you don't need to see. When possible, try to avoid having your computer screen right next to you when you're working. It'll be easier to focus and less likely to cause you to become distracted.

Breathe calmly

Breathing slowly and deeply can be a source of relaxation. The key here is to try to keep your breathing even. If you're feeling anxious, it can be easy to accelerate your breathing, which will only increase your level of stress. A few calming exercises can help you slow down your breathing so that you're less likely to feel stressed. For example, you can try closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths, then imagining your thoughts fading away with the air. You can also try counting your breaths to keep your mind on something else. If you're at your desk, try taking some slow, deep breaths through your nose. This can help you focus while you're sitting still. If you have the opportunity to stand up and walk around, you can try breathing faster while walking as a way to keep your mind off your anxieties.

Turn off your computer and phone before sitting down

Sit down at your desk and put your phone and computer out of sight. You can leave your computer on, but try to avoid having it be the primary focus of your attention. If you're sitting in an area that has a bright color or a pattern on the wall, try to change your seating position so that you're not looking directly at it. You don't want to be visually distracted when you're trying to focus. If you're sitting in an area that causes you to get visually distracted, try moving to a less-distracting area. When you're done working, leave your desk and walk away from your workstation so that you're not visually distracted as well. On your breaks, keep your mind on something other than work while still allowing you to interact with people if you need to.

Take short naps when you can

Napping is a great way to catch up on lost sleep. While napping can be beneficial during the day, try to avoid it at night. While you're sleeping, your body is regenerating itself, and this is a time when you should be recharging your energy levels. If you're working a night shift or regularly have late assignments, try to catch up on your sleep. If you have the opportunity to take a nap during the day, try to do so. Try to avoid taking a nap when you're at your desk because this will only lead to a further increase in stress levels.

Listen to music that soothes and uplifts you

Listening to soothing music in the office can help you re-establish a relaxed state. Try to find music that puts you at ease without causing you to become overly focused on the music itself. Try to focus on the sounds around you and the rhythm of your breathing. If you're in an area that has a distracting sound or color, try to change your seating position so that you're not looking at it. When you're looking for music, it's important to find music that's not just relaxing but also aesthetically pleasing. You don't want to end up with music that's too relaxing, which will have the negative effect of making you feel drowsy. Instead, try to find music that has a sound that you like and that you can visually distract yourself with.

Conclusion

When you're at work, don't forget that you have the opportunity to relax and decompress. You don't have to spend all day on the computer or with your clients. You can create a quiet space where you can reflect and recharge. When you do this, you'll be more prepared to tackle your next challenge. This way, you'll be able to spend more time with your family and friends, which is a much more enriching experience than being stuck in a work environment. When you're at work, don't forget to breathe, lighten up on the technology, and take breaks to decompress. These can help you stay happier and more productive while also making your job environment more comfortable.