In most cases, nature can help you leave the stressful everyday life behind and practice mindfulness. That is why it is also important to develop strategies for the time in the office that allow us to breathe deeply. Here are 5 tips that show how we can release tension and pressure and bring nature into the urban space!
Switching off during a stressful everyday office life and taking time for your body sounds easier said than done. Shinrin Yoku, also known as “Forest Bathing”, aims to bring nature into the urban space to create me-time moments. This method has been researched and promoted in Japan for decades. Soaking up the natural atmosphere contributes to the relaxation of the soul and body. During Corona it is especially important to strengthen the immune system. A study by American scientists shows that a two-hour stay in nature improves health and strengthens the immune system. Whether forest, sea or mountains – the right environment has a stress-reducing effect on people, helps to shed negative ballast and recharge their batteries.
Not only do the visual stimuli of nature stimulate our system to relax, but also stimuli that influence our sense of smell. Natural essential oils are created in the forest air, the pleasant scent of which makes us breathe a sigh of relief. The scent of nature helps to breathe more deeply and leave the stressful everyday life behind. A walk during the lunch break can give us the appropriate kick of freshness so that we can get started with more energy afterwards. Letting in fresh air into a stuffy office space can reduce the burden of infection and strengthen our immune system.
In recent months, the offices were only allowed to be visited sporadically due to the lockdown. For a large part of the working population this meant:home office! According to a study, not only the social component suffered under the new normality, but also our intrinsic well-being. Significantly fewer people were physically active while working from home. What is clear and absolutely missing:Exercising helps to recharge your batteries - whether it be the few steps to the meeting room or a walk during your lunch break.
A glance into the morning sun puts a smile on most people's faces even in the early hours. Daylight is a source of energy for our body and soul. However, sufficient light also increases the quality of our sleep and this affects our mood. It is also important in the office to store enough heat to carry out daily tasks satisfactorily. The work area should face the window, if possible, to get enough sun and disperse mental fog clouds. According to a study, people exposed to direct light are able to start the day more productively, with more vitality and perform their tasks successfully.
When the appointment calendar is bursting at the seams again, that's a sign to take time for yourself:Me-Time! Creating moments for yourself and visualizing your body and mind affects your health, sleep and a balanced diet. At the same time, short breaks increase productivity. Me-time means turning the focus inward, listening to your own body and organizing thoughts and recharging your batteries. Because with a fresh mind, tasks can be performed more easily and with more concentration.
