Here are a few resources that show us how just a few minutes a day can reduce workplace stress:

Stress Management: Stress Reduction Tips from The Stress Institute:

…DISCOVER A MINI: When you are waiting in a long line at a store, in a car in heavy traffic or on hold on your telephone, use this as an opportunity for a mini. A mini is a 1-3 minute short meditation. Take a moment, if you are able, close your eyes (not in traffic), or focus your eyes on something, take several deep diaphragmatic breaths, and repeat a 1-5 word affirmation with each deep breath. I like to say, “Keep letting go…” After just a minute or two you feel like a new person with a new sense of energy and clarity. Many tense moments are caused by simple exhaustion and this mini gives you immediate centeredness…

Relax at the Office? It’s Easier Than You Think by Faith Murphy from The Stress Management Center at Discovery:

…The scent of lavender alleviates stress-related symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, anxiety and fatigue:”

1. Fill a clean spray bottle with 6 to 8 tablespoons of cool water.
2. Add 2 to 4 drops of lavender essential oil and shake.
3. Take a nice, deep breath.
4. Organize your thoughts and spend a moment focusing on your agenda.
5. Keep the bottle tightly closed and treat yourself — and your desk area — to spritzes throughout the day.

Anticipating A Laugh Reduces Our Stress Hormones, Study Shows from Science Daily:

In 2006 researchers investigating the interaction between the brain, behavior, and the immune system found that simply anticipating a mirthful laughter experience boosted health-protecting hormones. Now, two years later, the same researchers have found that the anticipation of a positive humorous laughter experience also reduces potentially detrimental stress hormones…

Stress Reduction Thru Mindfulness – How you can relax by being mindful by Sylvia Carlson at Suite 101:

…Here is a mindful exercise you can try for yourself: Become mindful while walking. Notice the inner chatter of the mind, while being mindful of the sensations in your feet as you take each step. Hear the sounds, feel the sensations while simply noticing what your mind has to say about what you are doing. It sounds easier than it is, so don’t be discouraged if your mind is saying: “what kind of exercise is this,” “sounds pretty dumb to me,” or “how can noticing my feet make me feel better”. Try it for awhile and see what happens.

We all know that reducing stress can improve our health and enjoyment of life but some of us need a business case to venture forth into the unknown realm of stress reduction techniques! Consider how much improved your clients’ experiences would be if all you were calm and peaceful. How much more in tune would you be with their needs and how much easier would it be to handle unexpected challenges?