Conquer Your Day: The Ultimate Desk Stress Relief Toolkit
Been feeling swamped at your desk lately? Don't worry, you're definitely not alone in that boat. When you think about it, the standard 8-hour workday means that a great chunk of our time is spent glued to our desks—over 70% if there aren't many breaks or meetings to break up the monotony. And let's face it, work deadlines and those long hours can really pile on the pressure, making our desk time feel even longer
Managing our energy and stress levels is crucial, especially considering that a staggering 56% of US workers experience symptoms of chronic stress. How about keeping a few essential items close by to make life easier? And why not sprinkle in some self-care activities throughout the day to give ourselves a little mental breather amidst the work chaos?
We've put together a selection of items that can engage all your senses, helping you clear your mind when stress and chaos arise. They offer a bit of playtime amidst your busyness and work to soothe both your mind and body—all conveniently at your desk.
Desk Stress Relief Toolkit – Practicing Self-Care at Work
Planner to get organized: A planner isn't just a desk accessory; it's your stress-busting ally. It helps you manage your time, keep track of tasks, and declutter your mind. Opt for a paper planner with notes and gratitude sections for a more hands-on, memory-boosting, experience that cuts down on screen time. By jotting down moments of gratitude and joy—like planning your next vacation or spending time with loved ones—you're not just organizing your day, you're creating powerful moments that help you sail through stressful times with ease.
Healthy Snacks: Let’s talk about snacks! Keep a stash of healthy nibbles on hand to power through the day. Think of options like fruits, nuts, granola, yogurt etc that are packed with nutrients to keep you nourished and energized to tackle a difficult work day. By having these options readily available, you can steer clear of the usual temptations of salty and sugary snacks. If you need more ideas of snacks for work, here are plenty of options to choose from!
Fidget Toys: Fidget toys are like little lifesavers at work! They're perfect for channeling all that restless energy without bothering anyone around you. Opt for options like the classic stress ball, a simple yet effective way to release stress and build hand strength. Or go for options like the Fidget cube which packs six sides of fun, with options like clickers, gliders, and rollers to keep your fingers happily engaged. The colorful, bendable toys like Tangle Jr also are great options that provide play time for your mind and fingers creating opportunities for a breather between work.
Essential Oil rollerballs: Roller balls with essential oils like lavender, sage and lemon which offer stress relief and improve mood and anxiety. The act of applying the oil can be a comforting ritual in itself, helping you to pause, breathe, and reset during busy days. Simply glide the roller ball over your pulse points—like your wrists or temples and allow yourself to be whisked away from stressors, even if it is for a moment.
Mini Zen Gardens: Mini desktop zen gardens offer a serene escape right on your desk. With carefully arranged rocks, sand, and maybe a touch of moss, they're like tiny versions of traditional Japanese Zen Gardens. Creating and arranging these elements can be a soothing practice, helping to melt away stress and anxiety and allowing for deeper introspection.
Blue Light Filter glasses: Adding blue light filters to your desk setup isn't just about protecting your eyes—it's also a game-changer for stress relief! By reducing eye strain and those pesky headaches from staring at screens all day, these filters create a more comfortable work environment. When you're feeling physically comfortable and your eyes aren't begging for a break, it's easier to stay focused and less stressed.
Assorted Tea Collection: Did you know that simply inhaling the soothing aroma of tea, especially black tea, can work wonders to calm your nerves and reducing stress? It's true! So, why not keep a variety of soothing teas like honey lavender or chamomile right at your desk? Alongside your usual water bottle, they're the perfect pick-me-up to enjoy amidst the chaos of the workday. So go ahead, take a moment to savor a comforting cup of tea and let its calming effects wash over you—it's like a warm hug for your soul.
Mini coloring books : Keep a coloring book and a set of colored pencils or markers at your desk for moments when you need a creative break. Mandala coloring books especially are particularly popular for stress relief. Mandalas, with their intricate patterns and circular designs, have been used for centuries as a tool for meditation and mindfulness. As you carefully fill in each intricate detail, you'll find yourself entering a state of flow, where worries melt away and focus sharpens.
An Infographic for Desk Stress Relief Toolkit
Stress relief tools don't have to be complicated. It's all about finding what works best for you and aligns with your interests. Whether it's coloring books, soothing teas, or even a mini zen garden, choose the options that resonate the most with you and bring you the most joy. And here's a little tip: don't underestimate the power of a clean, neat workspace. A clutter-free environment can help clear your mind and kickstart your productivity. So, take a moment to tidy up your desk—it's the first step towards creating a productive, stress free flow at work.
To keep your fight against stress going, take a moment to discover Sukhi for expert-led content on Stress Management. Sukhi is dedicated to helping individuals effectively manage stress by providing tailored resources. From courses to quick informational content, takeaway sheets, and exercises, Sukhi equips users with the tools they need to address stress effectively.
Are you a Sukhi Member? The Sukhi app offers plenty of stress-related content on the Sukhi platform.
Not a Sukhi member yet? If you’re looking to bring wellness to your workspace, submit a form below and we will reach out to answer any questions you have, we would love to customize a wellness platform for your business.