For National Stress Awareness Day (5th November), we explore some small and manageable DIY stress relief techniques that can be incorporated into your everyday routine.
In this industry, long days, constant problem solving, and the pressure of keeping everything running smoothly can become extremely draining for event profs. The good news is that even quick habits can make a huge difference in keeping your focus up and stress down throughout the day. Check out some of the best practices to reduce stress in under five minutes that can be done at your desk, on-site, or anywhere!
Micro moments
Meditation might sound appealing but unrealistic when you’re juggling the demands of clients and suppliers but an easy way to incorporate this into your routine is with micro meditation – just a few minutes of mindful breathing.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to pay attention to your breathing by focusing on slow, deep breaths for instant relaxation.
Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Slowly inhale, hold for a moment, and then exhale steadily. Repeat this process a few times to help ease tension and clear your mind.
Be grateful
Take one minute to reflect on things in your journey that you appreciate – it’s easy to only focus on what’s going wrong. Flip the script, help shift your mindset, and build resilience as you navigate your day.
Think about three things you’re grateful for today, big or small. It doesn’t matter if it’s appreciation for your morning coffee or a successful conversation with a client – what matters is that you acknowledge it.
Practicing gratitude on-site not only reduces stress but also reminds you of the wins that often get overshadowed by the chaos.
Over time, this quick and simple practice can train your brain to focus more on what’s going well, reducing stress and improving your overall outlook.
Handy work
Whether you’re holding a radio, typing, or carrying materials, your hands (and stress levels) can take a hit. Not only do hand massages help to relieve stress and anxiety, but they can also help to reduce fatigue, increase circulation, and relieve achy muscles due to the pressure increasing blood flow.
The Union Valley pressure point is located on the hand in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. By activating this, you trigger your body’s natural relaxation response. With your index finger and thumb, simply apply firm pressure to this spot for five seconds and breathe deep to feel the pressure melting off.
Another hand massage technique is to hold your left hand up with your palm facing you and your fingers together. Use your right thumb to massage the fleshy spot between your left thumb and index finger for a slow count of 15. Switch hands and repeat to slow your breathing and heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and bring your mind and body back into balance before diving back into your to-do list.
Muscle relief
After hours on your feet, your body holds as much stress as your mind does. Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that’s used to control stress and anxiety, relieve insomnia, and reduce symptoms of some types of chronic pain. It’s a simple practice that’s based upon tensing one muscle group at a time followed by a relaxation phase with release of the tension.
While inhaling, contract one muscle group (for example your upper thighs) for five to 10 seconds, then exhale and suddenly release the tension. While doing this, try to focus on the changes you feel when the muscles are relaxed as imagery may be helpful in conjunction with the release as tension, such as imagining that stressful feelings are flowing out of your body as you relax. Take 10 to 20 seconds to relax and then repeat the process, working your way up the body.