Reduce Stress with These Four Essential Hacks

Reducing stress-levels related to work, can literally be a lifesaver. More than that, reducing stress can also be a major life-enhancer. Looking for the golden elixir of happiness – then instead of chasing the proverbial dollar, you are more likely to find happiness my improving your wellbeing.  Check out these four ways to reduce stress and enjoy work more!

Music

Sound therapy has been scientifically proven to reduce levels of anxiety. Gongs and sound-bowls are often the standard instruments on hand at a professional sound therapy session – often accompanied by some tribal shamanic chanting. Whilst not easily accessible for your average, busy Real Estate agent, Spotify and Youtube might have the answer…

The song “Weightless” by Marconi Union was actually created with the help of a sound therapist. It may come as no surprise therefore, to learn that the in one study, the track actually reduced anxiety levels by over 50%

The only downside with Weightless and other similar tracks is that you probably will not want to drive whilst listening to them! (seriously, you shouldn’t).

 Mobile Phone Apps

If you are one of the many self-employed out there, then your mobile phone, with the right apps, can dramatically streamline your working day.  For example, a phone answering service app can help to reduce interruptions, allowing you to focus on the work at hand.

QuickBooks is also a very popular phone app. It makes creating invoices, chasing missed payments and creating financial forecasts much easier. With the ability to seamlessly link with your bank and Paypal accounts, it can reduce the amount of soul-sapping administrative work that often accompanies being your own boss.

Breathe

Deep breathing from the belly, is also associated with a reduction in stress, and stress hormones such as cortisol. Protocols vary when it comes to breathing for relaxation, but Dr Andrew Weil, recommends breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 7 seconds and breathing out for 8 seconds – repeat for 10 breaths and you should feel significantly more relaxed.

Diaphragmatic breathing i.e. breathing from the belly, has also been associated with an increased attention span. See one study here.

 Magnesium

Magnesium is a highly effective supplement when it comes to the reduction of both anxiety and depression.  Unfortunately, increased levels of stress, and use of acid-reflux and indigestion medication, may deplete levels in the body.

Combined with the depleted amount of magnesium found in the average diet these days, a stress-inducing deficiency in the mineral is surprisingly common. In 2018, it was estimated the up to 50% of the US population may be deficient in magnesium.

If you are struggling to sleep and have sore and/or tense muscles, this could be an indication of magnesium deficiency. Speak to your doctor about the possibility of consuming a magnesium supplement.

 Saunas

Sauna use has been associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits in recent years. From increased longevity, to muscle relaxation, there is an increasing body of scientific evidence supporting the use of both traditional and infrared saunas. If you don’t have access to one, you can enjoy many of the benefits by using an infrared sauna lamp.

Whether you are a self-employed professional, or work for a firm, there is always pressure when working with clients and customers. What’s more, some of the things that could go wrong are out of your control.

With this in mind, remember this quote from Stoic philosophy when something goes wrong:

“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens”

– Epictetus