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By Jerry Mooney

Work is stressful and the pressures on us at work are sometimes unbearable. There is pressure from employees below you looking for guidance and employees that aren’t performing, and there are pressures from those above you, those who demand you meet your set quota, people who are under pressure from investors and board members. It is a cycle that can often seem impossible to escape. Work, sleep, work, sleep, work, sleep. Eventually it will take a toll on your mind and body. You need a rest from this constant onslaught. That doesn’t mean you need to go on holiday.It can just mean you take a few minutes out of your day to ensure you give your body that little bit of attention it craves. Here’s how:

No Technology

The first thing people tend to do when they open their eyes in the morning is reach for their phone and start scrolling. Once this is done, they then have to get ready and go to work; usually in a rush. This is a bad habit, and one that usually sees you working more than you should. Checking your phone means checking your emails, and that means replying to your emails. This is a habit that needs to be broken. As such, try leaving your phone to charge in the living room and get yourself an alarm clock instead. That way you will be able to wake up, have some time to yourself, make a nice breakfast, get ready and then check your phone.

Spiritual Morning

Waking up begrudgingly because you know you have work is not the way to wake up. As such, you should start your day with a little bit of meditative wisdom. It doesn’t have to last more than 5 or 10 minutes, but if you commit to this each morning you will find you’re mind is more balanced, and more prepared, for the day ahead. It is a way of relaxing. A chance for you to channel positive thoughts into your mind, remember all that you are grateful for and dispel any negativity that may be plaguing your days.

Exercise Your Body

Exercise is such a good outlet. It reduces stress more effectively than anything else. We don’t mean you have to run 10km every day before breakfast. We just mean going for a brisk walk in the fresh air. This will go an extraordinarily long way to energising you ahead of a busy day. Of course, you may be thinking you haven’t got time for that. So why not set your alarm for that little bit earlier. It will be worth it. It will also be a way of reducing your morning rush that accounts for a lot of the stress you feel.

Recover Better

The modern person does not let their body sleep for long enough. We spend all day rushing around at work, and then stimulate our minds further by catching up on our favourite Netflix shows. Why not get out of this habit. Start reading a book instead. It could be a novel, it could be a book that helps you overcome any personal stress you may have. Then go to bed early. Simple.