Fall Freedoms

We have all heard how important diet and exercise are when it comes to our health. Consuming nutritious foods and getting a regular amount of physical activity can have tremendous benefits when it comes to fighting off diseases and having a higher quality of life. But did you know that stress can have just as much of an influence on your health? Studies have shown that stress can worsen or increase the risk of conditions such as obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and even depression and, asthma. But with our hectic schedules and various responsibilities, how can we not be stressed? This is where “Zen” comes in.

 Zen

Zen began as a form of Buddhism with an emphasis on the values of meditation and intuition. It emphasizes that a person be aware, at peace, and free from the distractions of the material world. Ultimately, mastering Zen means that you are experiencing reality fully but not letting it stress you out! We experience many high-stress situations on a daily basis. Utilizing Zen can help you cope with these situations without skyrocketing your stress levels. And the good news is, you can even do it in the comfort of your own desk.

Creating a “Zen Den”

It has been shown in numerous studies that stress at work is by far the greatest source of stress for American adults. This trend has continued to worsen over the past few decades as workplace demands have increased. What better place to create a Zen Den? A Zen Den can be whatever you want it to be. It is a place for you to find a few minutes of calm among the chaos and just relax.

Below are several ideas to help you create a Zen Den of your own:

1. Stop and take some deep breaths. Inhale, then slowly exhale for twice as long as the inhalation. Repeat this process for a minute.

2. Put in headphones and listen to some music.

3. Find a room to stretch or just sit in silence for a few minutes to clear your mind.

4. Put up pictures of your family or friends on your desk or work area.

5. Close your eyes and focus on the positive; what went well today?

These are just a few tips to help you cope with stressful situations in a way that will not be detrimental to your health. These simple activities can have a lasting impact on your overall physical and mental well-being. Why not try falling into some stress-free freedom in your personal Zen Den? 

Finding Balance

When your work begins to interfere with your personal life, it is easy to become stressed and lose sight of what is important. There was a time when there were clear boundaries between work and home. These days it is easy to let work take over your personal time with email, texts, and instant messaging. To restore balance, please consider the following ideas:

Leave work at work.  As technology advances, it is up to you to create the separation. Remember you are not married to your work.  It is important to take time for yourself, family, and friends. Whenever possible, turn off or silence your electronics and enjoy your time away from work.

Manage your time wisely. This can be done by creating a daily to-do-list. Complete the tasks with the highest priority first and gradually work your way down the list. To prevent your work issues from running into your personal life, make a to-do-list at the end of the work day with what tasks need to be addressed the next morning.

Nurture yourself. When you take care of yourself, you are more likely to feel better both physically and emotionally. Nurture your body by eating healthy foods, exercise most days of the week, and get adequate sleep. Discover new activities and healthy foods you have not tried. Examples include joining a hiking group, taking a dance or cooking class.

Implementing these suggestions can help you restore balance to your life. You will feel better, be more productive, and more likely to enjoy life to the fullest. 

Stress Management

Stress can lead to low productivity in the workplace, costing your company money in related healthcare costs. What tips and advice do you have for stress management? Some of our tips can be found in this video to help you get started

How to Get Started A Guide to Managing Stress from Orriant on Vimeo.