It is not uncommon for employees to experience stress at work. Anyone that has a desk job has probably experienced some office stress once and awhile. Simply sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours can place tremendous stress on your eyes, neck, shoulders, and back. To prevent office stress, employees need to exercise during work hours. Exercise can be a huge stress reliever and it can increase productivity.
Massages are another great way to reduce office stress. Shiatsu massaging chairs can help to relieve some of the pressure on the muscles and it can help the muscles release if they are tight. Having a massage on your neck and shoulders each day can really cut down on the stress you are carrying around. Yoga massages are an excellent way to release office stress. Lie on the floor with your spine in alignment. Have another person gently press on both shoulders and then gently massage the shoulders and neck. They will then grab under the back of your head and below your chin and gently lift and pull your head. You should feel a stretch all the way down your spine. Then they will massage the ears, face and head. By the end of the massage, you should feel a complete release of stress and tension.
Another way to reduce office stress is to have proper office ergonomics. Employees need to maintain proper posture and they need to be sitting properly at their desk. This means the computer screen is 25 inches away from their face and their elbows are bent at a 90 degree angle. The keyboard and mouse must be in a good position where they do not put any pressure on the wrists. The chair should support your lower back and allow you to sit up properly. Your feet should rest comfortably on the floor, if they do not you may need to purchase a food support.
To reduce the tension you feel at your desk, take short breaks and spend time outside. Eat your lunch in the shade of a tree. Getting a break from the typical office environment can re-charge your body and you will be able to get some much-needed vitamin D. Go for a 20-30 minute walk during your lunch hour, this will really cut down on office stress because it releases endorphins in the brain. The endorphins cause you to be happier and more relaxed.
Practice deep breathing at your desk daily. Close your eyes for 5 minutes and imagine yourself on a beach walking next to the ocean. Now, breathe in through your nose for 15 seconds and hold this breath for 15 seconds, release the breath through your mouth for 15 seconds. As you release the breath, tell yourself that you are pushing out the stress from your body. Gently roll your eyes around as they are closed to massage them. Try to avoid pressing down on the eyes as this may hurt and it could cause them to be blurry when you open them.
Every time you start to feel overwhelmed at your job, take a break. Get away from your desk and go for a walk around the building. Go to the break room and read a book for 5 minutes. Do something that will get your mind off work, but don’t use a computer or a television. Your eyes need to have a break from electronic devices so they can relax too. Get up and stretch all your muscle groups every 45 minutes. This will really help re-charge your body and release the stress your muscles are carrying.