If you are anything like me, on one hand, you are always on the go, barely having any time for yourself. And on the other, well, you quickly fall asleep in the car while being chauffeur-driven on the way home, or while watching a movie, or even during nighttime conversations. And that my sisters, is a problem! Why? We lack balance. We cannot at any point feel it’s okay to operate on any, one, end of the spectrum. As working women, we must move, and as human beings, we must rest. We cannot always visit the spa, take long vacays, or skip days from work, and so the onus then is to try our best and live life in the middle ground—the sweet spot.

Here are 10 easy and practical ways to slow your roll and destress while on the move.

Organize and Declutter.
One way to manage workplace anxiety is to become organised at work. Declutter your workspace as well as your mind. Doing this gives you way more control while you work as there is less distraction from the clutter. To explain the relationship between mental health and cleaning, one online writer noted that “researchers have discovered that people are less irritable, less distracted, more productive, and better able to process information with an uncluttered and organized work area.” (Verywellmind.com)
To become organized, you will need to define and set daily, weekly, or monthly goals, prioritize and set realistic deadlines. With task management software like Trello, Asana, Google Calendar, and the regular to-do lists and alarm clocks, we have many organizational tools at our disposal.

Delegate or Request assistance.
You cannot do it all. If you work within a team, request support. If you manage one, delegate some tasks. Ladies, failure to do this will result in burnout and emotional stress.

Enjoy the scenery
Whenever you get the chance to be out and about, become mindful. In my previous article, “Self Care: What is the Sense?”, I encouraged us all to hop off the hamster wheels and refocus by interacting with the world and paying closer attention to our senses. When last have you examined the shade of the blue in the sky? Have you noticed that unique plant growing along the pavement? Did you smell the aroma of the coffee before you sent it down your throat? Or did you even smile with the attendant by the baggage counter as you left the store? As you run your errands, slow down a bit.

Daydream.
No doubt, daydreaming is one of my favorite things to do to destress. I often stop in the middle of an activity, close my eyes and escape into a favorite memory or fantasy. Of course, there is a time and place for this. And take a quick nap if possible.

Music.
Whenever I am on my way to work, or while at work (if possible), then on my way home, I am listening to music! Listening to songs while working reduces our stress hormones and gives us a creativity boost to get the job done more proficiently. Music also puts you in a good mood to take on the tasks ahead. Tune in while you get ready to go out, cook, eat, etc. it will enhance these activities and release stress.

Meditate on Scripture.
By meditating, you can reduce your stress levels, increase mindfulness and boost your productivity. However, I strongly suggest meditating on scripture. Before you head out, select at least one Bible verse to memorize and recite during the day. Whenever you become stressed, draw for the verse and remind yourself of the lesson. One of my favorite scriptures to combat anxiety and stress is 2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Take a break.
While working as a Resort Telephone Operator, I would often take walks during my evening shifts to catch 15 mins of entertainment before heading back to non-stop ringing. Include breaks in your work schedule. If you work at a desk, take a moment to count to 10 slowly, stretch some muscles or do some neck rolls. If possible, get out of the office and leave all phones behind, especially that office cell. This break is your time to clear your head and reduce the frustration you feel at work. Recently I started opting to either call my mom, sister, or husband or swipe through old videos and photos. Suddenly my mood changes, and I feel upbeat and cheerful.

Eat lunch/Snack.
Instead of green-eyeing your coworkers for taking what’s rightfully theirs, go join them!
I fell prey to thinking that lunchtime robbed me of work time, and I would skip lunch. My M.O. (modus operandi) was either to ignore the rumbles in my tummy or stuff my face at my desk. Either way, I was unproductive as I let adrenaline and anxiety rule my workday. Practicing eating healthy lunches as well as a healthy snacks will keep your stress in check.

Cry.
Big girls do cry. Crying is a cathartic release, especially when you have reached between a rock and a hard place. Instead of throwing a tantrum or exploding, head to the restroom or a private area and let it out. At times, words cannot express our emotions as a good cry can. Then wipe away the tears, fix your makeup, and smile as you return to the task with new insight. Even if you didn’t find any solutions right away, you offloaded great stress.

Stop!
We all have boundaries that have been tested and tried. Our minds and bodies communicate this to us. Listen! Whenever you have reached your limit, please, stop. No amount of overload, overwork, and burnout will result in a better you.

Ladies, we need to learn and practise this class act of balance. It’s okay to slow down. Instead of ignoring chronic pain, social withdrawal, restlessness, anxiety, and depression to achieve our goals, let us slow down or even pull out of the race to destress, regroup, reform, and restore ourselves. With clearer minds and healthier bodies, we can win!
What are some other ways you destress while on the move?

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EMAIL US AT info@thebeyondwoman.com or thebeyondwomanmagazine@gmail.com to find out how.