How to stop and take 10 in a world that demands more of our precious time.

We all could use a brake now and again, but sometimes we are in situations where that may not be possible. The demands at work and home are becoming more complex and we are starting to run out of energy. Here are some facts on stress and anxiety, how to recharge and not burn out.

Find your path to relaxation and meditation

What does stress and anxiety do to our bodies?

Anxiety and stress can have a significant effect on the body, and long-term anxiety increases the risk of developing chronic physical conditions.

The medical community suspects that anxiety develops in the amygdala, an area of the brain that manages emotional responses.

When a person becomes anxious, stressed, or frightened, the brain sends signals to other parts of the body. The signals communicate that the body should prepare to fight or flee.

The body responds, for example, by releasing adrenaline and cortisol, which many describe as stress hormones.

The fight or flight response is useful when confronting an aggressive person, but it is less helpful when going for a job interview or giving a presentation. Also, it is not healthy for this response to persist in the long term.

Information from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322510.php

What can we do to relax in such a demanding world?

1. Ear Massage

This may seem like strange workplace advice, but this practice from traditional Chinese medicine has been proven to work! Medical studies have shown that ear massage (or auricular acupressure, if you're feeling fancy) relieved stress and anxiety in pre-op and post-op hospital patients.

The trick is to massage your ear gently, right in the middle of the upper third of your ear. This spot, called the Shen Men point, reportedly decreases stress and boosts energy--just what you need on a trying day.

If you have trouble finding the particular spot, start by massaging your earlobes then working your way up and around the outer shell of your ear. This should produce much the same effect as Shen Men.

2. Workspace Reset

Your parents were right when they told you to clean your room. Your mindset's reflected in your space--and vice versa.

Even if you're swamped with work, take the time to put empty wrappers and scrap paper in the trash, tidy up your workspace, and clean out your digital desktop.

3. Hand Trick

If you want to give your hands themselves a break (sore wrists from constant typing are real), pay attention to your thumbs.

Start by lightly pinching the muscle between your thumb and index finger and massaging in small circles. Remember to keep it firm yet gentle, to relax the muscles. You'll feel your hands, shoulders, and neck start to relax, and, in no time, you'll be ready to start working again.

4. Breathing Technique

Before you say that you already know this one, bear with me. While taking a deep breath is the oldest trick in the book, you can enhance the calming effect of this simple tip with some basic body mechanics.

It's simple: When you breathe in, imagine the air inflating your stomach instead of your chest. Push your stomach outwards to draw the air down, then pull it back in to really empty your lungs of air. Put some muscle into it for three breaths, then fall back into your normal rhythm newly relaxed, and ready to take on your tasks.

If you find that this works for you, then you should definitely check out this two-minute exercise.

5. Progressive Relaxation

This meditation technique's used to combat anxiety and stress, and is a fast way to reconnect with your body without going anywhere.

Start at your toes, tensing and slowly releasing the muscles. Work your way up your body, tensing and releasing the muscles in your feet, your legs, torso, arms, neck, and even into your face (but don't scare your co-workers!).

It doesn't take long to work all the way up your body and you'll finish feeling energized, ready to tackle the day anew without having left your desk!

Stress in the office feels inescapable, but it doesn't have to be that way. Remember: Take the time to care for yourself, and you'll reap the rewards with smoother workflow and increased productivity.

--This post originally appeared on the The Muse.

--Information from...https://www.inc.com/the-muse/how-to-relax-at-work-without-leaving-desk.html

Remember to take time for you during the day.

1. Stand up, take a walk to the water cooler and get yourself a drink. Moving will take care of that sore back.

2. .10-10-10....if you are on a computer all day, every 10 minutes, look at something that's 10 feet away from your screen for 10 mins to let your eyes reset and relax.