Sometimes it can just all get too much. You have a massive pile of work on your desk, the recession has left you counting your pennies and that dark rain cloud hanging over your head, well it just isn’t budging.
Us Brits work an average of 40 days unpaid overtime every year, that’s more than anywhere else in Europe.
Just thinking about the stressful days that lay ahead is sure to have many pushing the panic button. But that's where we come in, here are our top five ways to beat those winter blues and leave you feeling calm and collected in time for the spring.
1. Lead a healthy lifestyle: Just a few tweaks to your lifestyle can leave you feeling much more energised and focused. It sounds simple but getting enough sleep will work wonders. Rather than waking up and walking around in a sleepy stupor, just going to bed that couple of hours earlier will ensure you're up bright, early and raring to go for the day ahead. Regular exercise might be perceived to have the opposite effect, but actually, when you're working out, your body produces endorphins that will reduce tension and anxiety.
2. Avoid your vices: Cigarettes and alcohol may seem like they're reducing your stress levels at the time but in reality they'll only make it worse in the long run. Nicotine is a stimulant and too much could eventually cause anxiety symptoms. Alcohol is a depressant, which is an explanation in itself. A beer down the pub watching the footie or the odd glass of wine in front of the TV is not going to hurt anybody, but over indulgence in anything is never recommended.
3. Know your limits: With work, family and friends it can be so easy to try and please everyone but taking on too much can leave your body and mind in meltdown. Really think about how you want to designate your time and remember it is ok to say no once in a while (as long as it's not to the missus).
4. A relaxing massage: It may not seem very manly and could may well have your friends on the floor laughing but there's a whole range of stress reducing therapies out there. Why not book yourself in for a sneaky massage; it will tackle the knots in your neck and shoulders, reducing the tension in these muscles as well as putting you in a much more relaxed mood.
5. Deep breathing: Now this may seem a little out there and not something you can imagine doing in the office but breathing techniques are said to work wonders when it comes to stress. Breathe deeply from your stomach, getting lots of fresh air into your lungs. The more oxygen you get, the less tense and anxious you will feel. So, whenever you feel like it's all getting too much, take a few minutes out and really concentrate on your breathing.
Useful Tip: Wear blue, it is the colour most likely to lift your mood when you’re having a rubbish day!
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