In today’s corporate atmosphere it seems that it’s normal to feel over-worked, tired, and stressed out. We’re here to tell you that shouldn’t be the case. Being a hard worker and being healthy are NOT mutually exclusive! It’s important to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being now or your body might feel the consequences later.

We here at the Corporate Alley Cat know it can be hard to find some “me” time with your busy work schedule, which is why we’ve put together a list of simple ways you can combat stress anytime, anywhere.

1. Meditation Exercises

This an episode of She Takes On The World TV ( a series by Emmy Award-winning media entrepreneur Natalie MacNeil) demonstrating three meditation exercises you can do from your desk at work: the Stress Shaker, the Time Tap, and the Focus Flame.

• The Stress Shaker method is designed to release stress from you body:
  • (1) Take a few deep breaths
  • (2) Acknowledge the source of your stress
  • (3) Say “I’m willing to move forward and see this differently”
  • (4) In the wise words of Taylor Swift, Shake it off! Visualize your stress being shaken from your body.
• The Time Tap method is designed to shift your mindset to a place of what MacNeil calls “abundant time”.
  • (1) Place your hands flat and palm-side down on your lap.
  • (2) Tap one finger at a time, starting with you pinkies and ending with your thumbs, being sure to recite one word in a five-word mantra for every tap. (MacNeil lists “I always have enough time”, “I am one with time” and “Time is within my control” as her favorites)
• The Focus Flame method is designed to reduce tension and eye strain.
  • (1)Turn off your computer.
  • (2) Light a candle.
  • (3) Bring the flame to eye level while keeping it at a safe distance.
  • (4) Take deep breaths and focus on the flame for 1-2 minutes.

If you’re not in love with any of these, you can also try some simple breathing exercises. Breathe2Relax, Essence, and Stop, Breathe, Think are three great apps that can guide you through a little mid-day meditation.

2. Personal Zen

(Photos grabbed from Personal Zen)

Personal Zen is a scientifically validated game app designed to help the user reduce their stress and anxiety levels and trains the brain to focus on positive things. The game has two blue sprites — one happy and one angry. Both sprites burrow themselves into the ground, and the objective is to trace the trail of the happy sprite without being distracted by the angry sprite. Users only need to play the game a minimum of 25 minutes per day to reap its benefits.

3. Coloring Books

Adult coloring books are great and anybody who tells you otherwise is a liar!!! Not only do they serve as a great way to channel your inner artiste, they’re a fun way to reduce stress.  You can snag the coloring book pictured above on Amazon for $5.99 or find free printable templates here.

4. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a great way to relieve stress and calls for the inhalation of the scent of different essential oils, but unless you have an oil burner handy, the easiest way to do this is to rub the oil into your hands and breathe in. It’s very important that you never apply concentrated essential oils directly onto your skin. Before topical application, mix the essential oil with a carrier like jojoba, olive, or coconut oil.

Experts at the Global Healing Center recommend using geranium, peppermint, lavender, jasmine, chamomile, and lemongrass essential oils for stress relief.

5. Keeping a Journal

Sometimes it’s hard for us to notice when our mental, physical, and/or emotional health has taken a turn for the worse. Keeping a journal and reviewing it every once in a while will help you notice any subtle changes you need to be aware of. Your journal entries don’t need to be long, elaborately written prose; instead they can be made up of bullet points detailing your feelings and emotions throughout the week, or be written in the style of a gratitude journal. Whichever method you choose (and there are many to choose from), make sure to be diligent and consistent.