Obviously our offices are our workplaces, and these can be incubators of
distress as we seek to reach the mountain of professional goals and targets
required of us to successfully carry out our duties.
But since many of us spend so much of our time at our desks in offices,
it makes sense to take sensible steps to de-stress our working environment
as much as possible. You clearly don't want to be too relaxed, as offices
often thrive on a little stress as they can create a dynamic and energy, but
a good balance will create better productivity.
Many offices now buy plants for the office. There was a trend for offices
to become increasingly bland and sterile, but a plant can bring an energy of
its own into the workplace. It will need to be tended to, so volunteer to
look after it or have a rota in place for watering it.
As well as watering the plant, it's important that you keep yourself well
hydrated. Drink plenty of water. This will help you avoid headaches and keep
you alert.
If you're working at a computer screen, keep a piece of quartz crystal by
your desk as they will soak up electro magnetic radiation.
A great tip that was submitted to us is to tidy your desk before going
home of an evening. This will allow you to start the next day afresh and you
will feel much better when you first sit down in the morning. Make this a
regular routine - it works!
We should all be well aware now of the dangers of RSI or upper body limb
disorder, so make sure your workspace is well adjusted with that in mind.
Request a workspace assessment from yoru employer if you are not satisfied.
Rest your eyes from the computer screen regularly. Modern LCD monitors
are less harmful to your eyes so request one of these, but even then, take a
frequent opportunity to focus on some colourful distraction in the office
rather than your screen.
An occasional stretch can also make you feel better. Lean back in your
chair, interlock your fingers and stretch your arms up in the air for 15-20
seconds. If your colleagues wonder what you are doing, tell them and get
them to do with you at the same time.