7 Tips to Restore Zen in Your Workplace  

The stressors at work are everywhere, pulling us in different–and often opposing–directions. They start as minor distractions, at best, and can lead to frenzy and long-term overwhelm over time. This, in turn, impacts our focus, performance, and satisfaction at work. We go home frustrated, tense, and short-tempered, unable to be present to our families and friends. All this, only to go to bed, wake up, and do it all over again.

How can we Zen ourselves back to calm throughout our workday, for our sake and for those around us? How do we deflect the stressors?  How do we restore our serenity?

Here are seven tips to bring you back to tranquility during your day so that you can execute at work with purpose and creativity, and leave for home in a head and heart space that will allow you to enjoy your evenings.

Go for a Walk
When the going gets tough, the tough get moving. Stepping away from your desk gives your brain a break and your body an outlet to release the stressors. By taking yourself out of your immediate surroundings, you distance yourself from the pressing issues just long enough to regroup and reset. It does not have to take a long time, and it does not have to be a long walk.  Get a drink. Refill your tea. Take a lap around your office. Find a reason to leave your desk. You will return with a new perspective and new energy to tackle your task. 

Talk to a Friend
If the walk didn’t work, get up again and walk over to a co-worker with whom you can commiserate. Verbalizing our stressors has an amazing way of reducing their charge. That clears the path for brainstorming and problem solving. Or use your colleague as the more active distraction you need to put your thinking on pause and regain your composure. If there isn’t anyone available in your office, pick up your phone and call a friend. For bonus points, walk while you talk! 

Stretch
Be sure to give your body regular stretch breaks. Done proactively throughout the day, this will actually fight off the fatigue you feel after a full day of sitting at a desk. Aim for an hourly break to stretch your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, waist, legs, and ankles. Look for an app that will alert you to stretch break time and guide you through simple stretches, or set your alarm and give yourself an hourly three-minute break. Whatever you do, be consistent and don’t blow it off. Your body will thank you!

Meditate
Meditation is the ultimate practice to quiet the stressors. With your feet planted on the ground, hands on your knees, and palms up, close your eyes, roll your shoulders back, and take a few deep breaths. Focus on your breathing; that will keep you in the present moment, not regretting the past or fretting about the future. Take a break from fast-paced thinking by allowing your thoughts to pass without reacting to them. While this habit takes time to develop, you will find its benefits to be immediate and long-lasting. 

Create a Music Moment
Replace the words swimming in your head with those of your favorite song for an instant escape. Tap your foot, snap your fingers, chair dance, or get on your feet and stomp out the stressors. Shift your attitude with a song that delivers the message you need to return to your happy place. Create a playlist, and celebrate each hour of work with a song and dance. If you can, play the music that connects you to your soul in the background while you work to create an ongoing zen-like state.

Write it Down
If the requests are coming in faster than you can address them, and you have too many thoughts buzzing in your brain, quiet it all down by getting them on paper. Release the stressors through the power of your pen, and watch as the chaos gradually comes to order. List what is on your mind, all of the tasks at hand, and how you are feeling. You will slowly begin to feel calmer, and you may just find a solution to better your day. 

Use Essential Oils
Essential oils, which can be found in your local natural food store, can instantly lift your spirits and redirect your energies. Dab them on your wrist or under your nose, or share with nearby workers by diffusing them throughout your office. Lavender is great for relaxing and calming your mind, while lemon will increase your alertness and productivity. Peppermint can rejuvenate and revitalize. Experiment with blends and find the ones that you love.

Work can be crazy. The days can be long and unforgiving. The only way to have inner peace is to create it continuously throughout your day. Try a few of these ideas and see what works for you. By doing so, you will introduce more serenity to your work life and your home life–and both will thrive!