7 simple ways to soothe away stress

Corporate life gives new meaning to the phrase 'Life in the fast lane'. It is true that the salaries paid these days were unthinkable even a decade ago. But the work hours demanded in return makes one often question the value of choosing such a life.

There is no way to escape. The demand for highly qualified and capable professionals exists but the supply is so high that if you do not give it your 200 percent, they may find someone else who will.

Lifestyle diseases are on the rise, especially in metros and mini metros due to this perpetual race. It is not rare to hear of a colleague who had a heart attack in his 30s.

Nervous breakdown, carpal tunnel syndrome and spondylitis are just some of the medical issues most corporate employees have to deal with today. While these require immediate medical attention, there are some ways where one can de-stress at the end of a hectic day and help the body and mind reach equilibrium. Here are some tips on how to do so.

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Stretching

This may seem like a non brainer but it is remarkable how many people can sit hunched over their computers all day without allowing their body to stretch.

After every hour or so, get up from your chair and stretch your back, neck and legs. Slowly rotate your wrists clockwise and anticlockwise.

Focus your eyes on a spot on the blank wall a distance away from you and stare at it for a minute. You are ready to go back to work now.

Cut off

Most people feel they need to be available to their boss or peers at all times -- day and night. Have a cut off time. In the evening when you are home after work, do not take calls or check your mails.

Do not sleep with your phone under your pillow. The urge to check your mail/ messages when it pings is unhealthy.

Mentally break away

There is no point coming home if you bring your office with you. If all your conversations at home revolve around work, you are not allowing your mind to rest (and are boring your family to bits).

Spend half an hour sharing what happened in your day at work and then make a conscious effort to shut your mind off and indulge those at home. Play with your kids, take a walk with your wife or call up a friend.

Exercise

Everyone is busy. It is up to you to find time to invest in yourself and your appearance. When you look good, you'll feel good. If you come home too late at night to exercise, do so in the morning.

Go for a run or take a swim. There is something so fresh and pure in early mornings that even the biggest cynic becomes a convert. Your mind also gets a break when you exercise as you become more aware of your surroundings around you.

Reduce dependency

This is more of a personal call but if you find yourself justifying your dependency on cigarettes or tobacco products by saying that they help you deal with stress, know that it is a rut you're digging for yourself.

Smoking a pack a day will not make your boss like you more or reduce the number of unanswered emails in your mailbox. It will only make you and the people around you very sick.

Read or play

When you read a book or play a game, your mind has no option but to concentrate on it and shut out everything else. This gives you an opportunity to unwind and relax.

Take your kids to the park. Watching a child swing is therapy in itself.

Means and not the end

Lastly, remember that your job is a means to an end, not the end itself. The purpose of a job is for you to earn money so that you can enjoy your life. But if you find yourself with no time or mind space to do anything else, take a step back and rethink on where your priorities should be.

Your job is an essential part of your life and being satisfied in it is of utmost importance. But don't let it become your entire life.