For many of us, being busy is a way of life. From hectic workplaces to whirling social calendars, it’s easy to feel drained from time to time. Which is why it’s more important than ever to take some time out to check in on yourself.
Just as you have regular health check-ups, we recommend adding some simple stress relievers into your routine. And if like us, you sometimes struggle to find this balance in your daily life, read on for three quick ways you can take action and be more mindful of your mental health.
Take a breath:
It sounds too good to be true, but taking time out every now and then to concentrate on your breathing is a great way to let go of everyday stresses. From yoga to Pilates, many popular exercise movements use breathing as a guiding tool for students. And away from the exercise studio, it’s a useful tool as well. With this in mind, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed as the work piles up on your desk, take a moment out of your day to concentrate on taking in some deep breaths. You can even count to ten to guide your breathing before returning to the task at hand, feeling more refreshed and at ease than beforehand.
Switch off the smartphone:
Sleep can sometimes seem far away, but one quick tip to help avoid insomnia is to give yourself a break from digital screens and smartphones before you head to bed. Research has suggested that the artificial light from our many digital devices can confuse our natural body rhythms, causing us difficulty in drifting off. So why not swap your tablet for an old-fashioned book or magazine and give yourself a chance to really switch off before sleeping? If you use your smartphone for an alarm, never fear, we have you covered as well! Simply turn your phone onto airplane mode once you set your alarm, and you’ll avoid the temptation of surfing the net while in bed.
Step outside:
As children many of us were encouraged to play outside. But as adults, it can often feel like a chore to take time to step out into the fresh air. However, there is often no better way to get perspective on a busy time in work than taking five to ten minutes out from your schedule to allow your mind to wander and generate new ideas. So the next time you’re feeling stuck in a rut at your desk or when writing a lesson plan, try going for a quick walk around to get your creative juices flowing. We swear by it!
Unfortunately, due to stress and anxiety people can often find themselves unable to work for extended periods of time. If this should ever happen to you, wouldn’t it be good to know that your income is protected? Income Protection provides you with vital financial protection in the event that you are unwell due to an accident or illness, and find yourself unable to work as a result.
Enjoy the security and peace of mind that Income Protection provides. Join your Union/Employer's Income Protection Scheme today. For more information call us on (01) 420 0997.
Subject to terms and conditions.