Three Lifehacks by Sodexo for Relaxation at Work

By: Quality of Lifehacks
Aug 15, 2016 5:45 PM ET
To use the Sodexo coloring book page simply print it out and grab those crayons or markers.

Three lifehacks by Sodexo for relaxation at work

This blog originally appeared in sodexoinsights.com

Today is National Relaxation Day.  While we can all agree that relaxation is a good thing, it might seem hard to live up to the spirit of the holiday on a work day—especially a Monday. After all, the office can be a difficult place to relax. According to the American Institute of Stress, “job stress is more strongly associated with health complaints than financial or family problems.” But there are simple ways to lower your stress level at the office. Here are three hacks to help you relax:

  1. Color

One way to celebrate is by dusting off that box of crayons you thought you’d never use again. Coloring books for adults have recently become a trendy relaxation tool, but the technique has been used for a century, according to Huffington Post. It has been shown to help reduce anxietyreduce stress and boost creativity. So whether your favorite crayon color is purple mountains’ majesty or macaroni and cheese, we could all benefit from a little downtime with a coloring book.

To help you get started, we’ve created our own Sodexo coloring book page. Simply print it out, grab those crayons or markers.

  1. Get a plant

Studies show that having potted plants in the workplace reduces “fatigue, stress and headaches”. These leafy friends are also proven to lower blood pressure among workers. But don’t just bring any plant indoors. Read this guide to indoor plants and visit your local garden center.

  1. Go for a walk

Make some time for light exercise. When you move, neurons that make you feel calm are activated, scientists have found. People who exercise regularly are also able to manage stress better than those who don’t. Take a walk around the block between projects or look for new routes to and from work to give you a fresh perspective.

What helps you relax at the office?  Share your ideas in the comments.