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​Finding time and ways to relax throughout the workday can help you enjoy your day-to-day and leave the office (or desk at home) feeling happy. Here are some ways you can relax while at work.

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​1. Go for a walk

Getting out of the office and filling your lungs with fresh air can instantly make you feel more relaxed. Moving your body will loosen your muscles after sitting at a desk for majority of the day. Physically distancing yourself from your work may allow your brain to get out of work mode and into the present.

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2. Grab lunch with co-workers

Socialising, leaving the office, and more importantly food, is a great way to give yourself a break. Find some lunch spots close to work (or home) whether it’s a cosy café, or delicious ramen bar, having a place close by will allow you to fully switch off while refuelling.

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3. Notice if your body is tense and relax

We don’t always have time to leave the office, and a quick way to help you relax while sitting at your desk is to take a minute to notice if you’re holding any tension. Are you clenching your jaw, sloughing? Are your shoulders tense? When you notice this, try and let go of that tension. This’ll help you stay focused and less likely to get a headache and feel fatigued throughout the day.

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4. Meditate

It’s the tip that’s always given around anything to do with relaxing, but that’s because it works. Meditation can be done anywhere: on the train, at your desk, waiting for your coffee to be made. There’s also not one meditation to fit all. There are so many different types and lengths. This could be as simple as practicing box breathing: breathe in for four, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four. Repeat.

Ideally, we don’t want to feel stressed throughout the day or when we finish up at the end of the day. This can be difficult, however, when there are so many variables that are out of our control. We all relax and de-stress differently, and it’s important to find something that works for you.