Having a bad day? Or a series of bad days? Need a boost? Something you can do before the kids come home? Or during your one hour of freedom after you get home from work and before your brain shuts down for the day?
We hear you. And you don’t ask for the impossible. Here are a few ways to improve the rest of your day, all of which can be done within an hour.
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Redraw your office setup.
It could be that the reason you hate your office life is because setting up your desk is such a hassle. But your back pain free in the office is something that should, by all rights, be yours. And it is possible. Chances are you just need a few tweaks to your setup.
Note the following: When sitting at your desk, make sure your feet (toes and heels) are on the floor. Your forearm should be placed at a 90 degree angle to the table. Your computer screen should be at eye level. This means you don’t have to tilt your head down to view the screen. Any tilt to your head causes stress on your neck and shoulder muscles which will build up and cause you to be a very unhappy worker. Optimizing your desk area will increase your time in the office by leaps and bounds. Imagine being totally comfortable while you work!
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Make a date with a friend.
You’re busy. We know it. Your friends know that. But that’s a lousy reason not to chase your friends. Call your best friend and arrange drinks for the weekend. Or text your friend and see if he’s available to chat on your way home. Friendship is a support system and can help stabilize you if you’re feeling down. If you’re feeling down about work or some other drama in your life, having a listening ear is an important aspect of dealing with it. We know you’re strong enough to handle things on your own, but having good friends means you don’t have to. You have the people in your corner. Don’t ignore them.
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Go for a walk.
A little fresh air and a quick walk outside has been touted by the most discerning people as the best remedy for many dark moods. Why? When you walk around, your body releases feel-good chemicals throughout your system. The Mayo Clinic says that walking is also great for reduce depression.
And even if you’re not depressed, few people pass up an opportunity to feel better. Correct? So next time you need a mood boost, head outside. Bring a friend, or partner, or pet. It’s rare to find something that’s physically good for you, as well as mentally and emotionally pleasing. Take this one and run with it.
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Cat nap.
When all else fails, take a cat nap. There’s a reason why napping remains a cultural mainstay in European and Latin American countries. The body is designed to slow down in the middle of the day. Fighting through your midday drowsiness won’t help you be more effective at work. But naps will. Even just 10 minutes of sleep is said to improve mental alertness and memory performance. And very important, a nap resets your mood. It gives you a break from reality. And when you wake up, you do so feeling refreshed and ready to come back.
You can take steps to revitalize your day, even when half the day is over. Life is precious, and you only get so many days to cherish. Use these tips to improve the quality of your days and enjoy life to the fullest.
