Limit screen time
Make sure you step away from your devices in the evening, as the blue light from the screens tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime. And don’t you think it’s enough to be online and available all day long anyway? There’s only so much scrolling on social media we can do... Maybe you could pick up a book instead? Or try meditating? I highly recommend autogenic training to all you professionals out there. The idea is to use the power of your mind to relax your body for an extended period. Once you have mastered the technique, you’ll be able to reach an immediate state of calm in stressful situations. Training your mind in this way helps de-stress your body, so that you produce more melatonin to help you sleep better.
Pamper yourself
When was the last time you treated your skin to a sheet mask? Have you been so relaxed (and not exhausted or overtired) that you’ve fallen asleep in the bath recently? I won’t even ask about when your last massage was. You can create a home spa experience on any budget. Simply set the scene with some candles and get a hot cup of tea at the ready. Or if you’re in need of a real treat, head to the nearest spa and indulge in a nice deep massage.
Focus on your breathing
People are always telling us to take a deep breath. And we need to make sure we listen once in a while! Think about it – controlled breathing is a big part of both meditation and yoga. But our lives are so busy that we often don’t take the time to stop and focus on our breathing.
Try sitting down and breathing deep into your belly. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. Shut your eyes and just let your thoughts wander. If you start thinking about all the translation and proofreading projects you’ve got on at the moment, imagine putting all your thoughts into a cloud and letting it float away. Try to be present in the moment and not get distracted by all the thousands of things on your to-do list. They can wait.
Just breathe in and out. In and out.
If you struggle to meditate, have a go at some guided meditation with Calm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
If your stress levels are still sky high after reading this post, we’re here for you. Just send an email to freelance@apostrophgroup.ch.
