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What's your preferred method for relaxing in between tasks during the work week?

I love my fidget spinner! #anxiety #psychology #college

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Jared’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

Exercise, even if it's just little bits of exercise, is a proven stress manager. One of the most effective ways for me to relax in between work tasks is to use the Pomodoro Technique. This system was designed to improve personal productivity, however, I find that it really helps a lot as well with stress, relaxation, and anxiety. One of the important aspects of Pomodoro is that it breaks most of the work day work up into 25-minute chunks, with 5 minute breaks in between, and a slightly longer break (15 minutes) every few chunks. So as a result, the things I relax with tend to be 5 minute activities or 15 minute activities. Exercise can't always be done in 5 minutes, so I substitute standing up, stretching my neck, etc. Sometimes I do a few minutes of jumping jacks. Pretty good. I also might eat a snack, drink something, read a news article, look at Reddit, or watch a short video on YouTube, but only until the timer is up and then I'm straight to the next Pomodoro!

I can't do Pomodoro every day (it works well for some kinds of tasks more than others in my opinion), and your mileage may vary (some people love it but others don't). I find that I tend to do better when I have a "Pomodoro partner" who starts and stops on the same schedule as me. That's great. And I can't do more than about 7 pomodoros in a day without getting pretty tired. But the productivity is great!

Jared, CareerVillage.org Team recommends the following next steps:

Spend 1 afternoon using the Pomodoro Technique with a pomodoro timer such as https://tomato-timer.com/ and decide if it's something you'd like to do routinely to get your school or work tasks done
Thank you comment icon I've used tomato timer before, but didn't realize how beneficial it can be! Thank you so much! Leonardo
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G. Mark’s Answer

I read stuff about science or entertainment. If the science is related to my work, so much the better. It gets me geared up with new ideas.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! That is a sure way to regain inspiration for the task at hand! Leonardo
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Shelbi’s Answer

I work in a very high-stress job in the travel/tourism world and what our department has decided to do is use an empty desk and fill it with items that bring us joy and can take our mind off of work. It is an electronics free-zone and has items like:

  • Play-dough
  • Colouring books
  • Word Searches
  • Sudoku
  • Puzzles
  • etc

This helps us get our minds off of work for a few minutes a day and allows us the opportunity to de-stress before continuing to work. My personal favourite is the colouring book.

Shelbi recommends the following next steps:

try to bring a de-stressing item with you to work/school and when you feel yourself getting stressed, take 5 minutes (no electronics) and just play!
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much for the insightful response, Shelbi! Leonardo
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Jennifer’s Answer

When I was working in the office, I would take a quick walk through the building or outside, depending on the weather, after I completed a project or task. Now that I am working mostly from home, I will go spend a few minutes with the dog or the cat, or do a quick chore around the house. I am hearing from a lot of people that they are less likely to take breaks while working from home - and I am guilty of that as well. Definitely make time for breaks, it is really important for your attitude and concentration.
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Jad’s Answer

Listening to different albums, audiobooks, podcasts to pass the time. Having my desk next to a window with a good view. And finally going on walks around the neighborhood on part of my lunch break.
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paula’s Answer

Work weeks are stressful. Especially when tied to the home office desk for 12 hours a day! The pandemic has really messed up my routine of dropping my kids off at school and then hitting the gym for a group exercise class.
I find that exercise really helps me manage the work week. On days that I get up and get my workout in, I am more energized and focused. I bought a spin bike and an IPAD and joined the Peloton virtual ap. I also try to get outside and throw the tennis ball for my Golden Retriever, Oakley. He is OBSESSED and could play fetch for 30 minutes straight if I let him!
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Simeon’s Answer

I enjoy a good minute to two minute long YouTube video, especially if it's funny. It helps my brain reset and releases the stress that tends to build up throughout the day. Also, I love using music while I need to focus, especially lo-fi playlists.
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Gloria’s Answer

Hi Leonardo,

I walk. It is always good to just walk away from where you are sitting. I sit for a living. Before COVID, I worked in an office that had this wonderful set of long rectangular floors with wide aisles. I would walk away from my desk and go walking there. Seven laps was a mile. It was a treat since I could do every day no matter the weather. Now that working is at home, I make sure to go outside. Fresh air and nature always clear the mind. Also you can walk a little bit faster since you are less likely to have people to avoid. With the walking I listen to music, podcasts, or just the sound of the wind. It is nice to get away from a task, even for a few minutes. It really does clear you head. I also work through my problems or anxiety. The physical action seems to calm my racing mind.

Gloria
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Gregg’s Answer

For me it is mostly moving. Whether it is going for a quick walk to get a cup of water, doing a lap around the block or even sneaking in a quick work-out if you have enough time, detaching from the screen and getting the blood moving for 5 to 30 minutes definitely recharges me. It also gives me a fresh perspective on what I was looking at previously.
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Hannah’s Answer

Hi! Spending time outside is always helpful for me, whether that be a quick walk or taking my lunch break outside. Also, prioritizing hobbies after work is important to me. Lately, that has been trying to spend more time reading after work, or cooking a nice dinner.
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Savannah’s Answer

Hi! I love music, music has helped me a lot. It helps me morn, chill, get in a better mood, and help me think. There are other things you can also do, you can also cook, draw, paint, read, watching a show or movie keeps your mind engared and stops you thinking about your problems for a bit. You can also exercise, yoga, and dancing. You could also try to get out more with friends and family, There is alot of ways you can help yourself with whatever all you have to do is what works for you. Hope this helps!
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Tonya’s Answer

I try to take at least a 1/2 hour break a day to work out....whether that means just walking, running, or my home gym. With COVID, it's been making that a lot easier since I'm already at home and just need to get up from my computer:) I also like to just run out for coffee every once in awhile to get up and move around and get a fresh perspective on what I'm working on.
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Maria’s Answer

Just to be able to get up and walk away, I know we are in the COVID quarantine days but even working at home to just go into a different space helps me a lot.
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Scott’s Answer

Exercise, meditating, reading, spending time outside and taking the dog for a walk!
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Molly’s Answer

I love doing guided meditations on YouTube. Deepak Chopra has great guided meditations that are free. Even doing just 5 minute meditations can put you in a great headspace to get through the day.

I enjoy going on walks outside for 5-15 minutes and practice mindful exercises like memorizing street names, counting different colors of cars, memorizing colors of houses. Little things to keep me mindful and present :)
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