Stress Relief for Busy Business People - 11 Easy Ways

Make stress less of an issue for you in your work and life, by trying out one or more of these ideas - the list is not exhaustive! Seek out more and share!

So try these 11 random ideas out - and above all, have some fun!

  • Squeeze Something
    You can get them at sports stores (use a squash or racquet ball) or there are even some specialist places that have them and call them 'stress balls'. Get yourself a ball to squeeze. Sometimes they are specially squishy and retain your imprint - even more fun! If you want a cheap alternative, how about a tennis ball with a hole in it!
  • Start Early
    Add sufficient time to get where you are going with 10 minutes to spare and be there 10 minutes before you are due - it also gives you time to get a feel for where you are going, the people there, the culture and even what's going on (which might be useful!)
  • Time Out
    Spend time with your colleagues outside work. Have some fun together. As long as it isn't forced, this is a great way to get relaxed and get your team spirit built!
  • Eat Out
    Take your lunch out of work - in the park, or a quiet restaurant. That hour you take (and you do take an hour, don't you?) gets your mind relaxed and stretching your legs helps too. Personally I prefer down time on my own - I like my own space. Some folks like it with a colleague or a friend - it's up to you!
  • Take Your Holidays
    Life really is too short, so always have a holiday or vacation to look forward to - on those really stressed days you can focus on that warm beach just waiting for you. Or even a long weekend out in the wilds. Somewhere in nature is great.
  • Get a Window
    There's nothing better for breaking your focus for while than looking out of the window - so if you get the chance, get an office with a view. If not find a place to walk to with your coffee (decaff!) which is a little haven of peace.
  • Sticker Your Phone
    By reminding yourself that it's a phone call, you will allow yourself to take a breath and relax as you speak - smile even. Just a little reminder that is out of the ordinary will do - try a gold star, stuck somewhere very visible!
  • Keep Objective
    When business involves taking difficult people decisions it can be really stressful, so try to remember it's not about you or them, it's about an objective business decision. Do it with respect, understanding and focus and it will be a lot less stressful.
  • Let Go
    Sometimes there are very frustrating moments when you truly could squeeze someone else's head in a vice (could try 1 above instead!). Try being forgiving and taking control of the 'being nice' and resolving it. You can't fix them - it is NOT within your control - but you can fix you and giving in a little is the control position you have - so give it a go!
  • Music
    Try background music either quietly by you or use the internet - there are loads of radio stations and even meditation websites you can use - even for a few minutes.
  • Puzzle
    Want to really downshift your stress levels? Try a very challenging puzzle. Thinking about non-work issues deeply will take the pressure off and if you can't do the puzzle, you can always throw it at the wall - much better than your laptop! Tricky this - the stress you get in the outside world is there too. Remember when you had the choice of a ham or cheese sandwich - now there are at least thirty or forty to choose from - stressful lunch decision-making! But chill, you have it in you to do it. All it takes is a little action and a little focus - and even maybe a tank of fish...:-)

    ? 2005 Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He works worldwide, mainly by phone, with small business owners, managers and corporate leaders. He has hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website, http://www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com. (Note to editors. Feel free to use this article, wherever you think it might be of value - it would be good if you could include a live link)

    ...helping you, to help your people, to help your business grow...

    In The News:

    Fitness centers and workout studios are starting to establish policies that prohibit shooting phone videos to protect people's privacy.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.
    An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.
    Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.
    A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.
    The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
    Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.
    Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.
    If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
    Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.
    Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.
    Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.
    The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.
    Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.
    The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
    Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
    Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
    The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.
    The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.
  • Stress Management: How to Avoid the Ruts and Holes of Life

    Have you ever noticed how we keep falling into the... Read More

    Destressing Your Life!

    Do you have stress in your life?......I know you answered... Read More

    The Best Medicine For Stress ( A Daily Dose Of Gratitude)

    There is one sure fire medicine that cures all difficulty... Read More

    5 Steps to Make Stress Your Best Friend

    You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More

    Instant Relaxation Anytime Anywhere

    If there was a way of relaxing quickly and easily... Read More

    Stress Management: 5 Questions to Get Crisis to Work for You

    Q: Someone told me that the Chinese symbol for crisis... Read More

    Eldercare/Caregiving Stress--Managing Holidays

    Caring for a chronically ill loved one can be one... Read More

    Chastise Your Bread ? Kneading Dough is Excellent Stress Therapy

    The day wasn't going well already. You know how it... Read More

    Panic Is No Laughing Matter

    Burt Reynolds revealed his vulnerable side when he realized he... Read More

    One Way to Beat Stress: Arrive Early!

    I'm so excited that I have discovered this secret today.... Read More

    Stress Reduction and Sacred Moments

    "The great lesson from the true mystics, from the Zen... Read More

    Stress Management and Creating Balance

    The World Health Organization calls stress "the health epidemic of... Read More

    Coping with Change: Develop Your Personal Strategy

    Why do we resist change? As the saying goes, the... Read More

    Stress Secrets: How To Remove Hidden Sources Of Stress

    Most people find it easy to identify the sources of... Read More

    Stress And How To Avoid It

    Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can... Read More

    Planning Stress Management

    Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at... Read More

    Is Your Workplace Suffering from Contagious Stress?

    We wonder how many of you might recognise this scenario?... Read More

    How to Cope With Stress and Anxiety

    Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world... Read More

    Are You Worried? 4 Steps to Peace of Mind

    A friend has this quotation on his office wall: "I... Read More

    Stress Management and Mastery: The Value of Vitamin NO

    What part of no don't you understand? - Bumper stickerThe... Read More

    Stress- What Is It?

    Whenever we think of 'stress', negative thoughts come into our... Read More

    7 Healthy Ways To Release Holiday Stress

    Many people go through the motions during Christmas. If not... Read More

    Stress Relief in Minutes

    For those who are suffering from stress, just about the... Read More

    What The Most Dangerous Job In The World Taught Me About Coping With Stress

    I just got through reading some troubling news in the... Read More

    Stress Management: Holding On Vs. Dropping It

    One of the dumbest things I have ever done is... Read More