Have you ever heard exercise helps you de-stress? What about meditation or deep breathing? We don’t know about you, but we’re a little tired of being told the same de-stressing techniques over and over. So here you go: 12 relaxation suggestions that (we hope) you haven’t seen before.
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Go on: Drop an F-bomb or 10. Just not where your boss can hear. (Scientific American)
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Make a beeline to the office kitchen and sniff an apple. Not only will the scent ward off headaches, it can make you less stressed. (Eating Well)
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Massage your ears. No, seriously: The action releases endorphins! (Zen Habits)
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Start pacing. That’s what one super successful entrepreneur does when he’s deep in thought. (Tech Co.)
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If you’re at your computer, try shutting it down and working on a task that doesn’t involve a screen. (Psych Central)
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There are actually foods that calm you down. We suggest eating them. (NPR)
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Green is the new black! Turns out having a plant on your desk relaxes you. (Forbes)
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You might want to close your office door for this one, but listening to head-banging music and rocking out will help you release all that nervous energy. (Inc.)
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If you’ve got 20 minutes to spare, looking at fractals (like a picture of snowflakes or ocean waves) will make your brain happy. (Everyday Health)
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What have you accomplished today? Whether it’s big or small, tell yourself—out loud—what an awesome job you did. (Reader’s Digest)
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Blowing up a balloon forces you to practice deep breathing, so make a run to the drug store. Or just take a deep breath. (U.S. News & World Report)
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Re-conceptualize stress as a good thing. It’s your body’s way of preparing your for a challenge. (The Muse)