After spending over a decade in the corporate world, I like many people out there was just, well … stressed.

A lot.

Most of the time.

Okay, nearly all the time.

Consequently, it all came to a head at one point and I felt as though things were spiralling out of control. I thought there had to be more to life than this. I didn’t want to just manage, I wanted to feel joy in every aspect of my life, and I wanted to stop believing stress is normal. Now I look back on that time as a bit of a wellbeing wake-up call.

Finding a new normal

It occurred to me that living every day for the weekend isn’t really living life to the fullest, is it?

There had to be a better way!

With this in mind, I sought out to find a wholistic, practical, and natural way I could integrate some healing and mindfulness into my life, after some research (an obsession of mine) I discovered Kinesiology – a modern natural therapy, combining the wisdom of eastern and western traditions to identify imbalances in the body’s structural, chemical, emotional state to establish the body’s priority healing needs.

I was hooked and began studying toward becoming a Kinesiology Practitioner. My newfound interest, became a hobby and ultimately a way of living.

Wellbeing for success

Three and a half years later I’ve finished my diploma, and yes, I’m still doing my corporate day job. The difference being, I now absolutely love my corporate job and have the freedom and satisfaction of working on my own passion project and side hustle. My stress levels have dramatically diminished, and looking back it feels like I don’t quite recognise who I used to be. Finding an outlet that aligned with my personal values has enabled me to adapt my headspace and my lifestyle, and find new joy in my day to day living.

So, I thought I’d share my top tips to get you through when you’re feeling  overwhelmed and stressed, and to improve your general wellbeing.

1. Grounding (also known as Earthing) is the act of grounding your body to the surface of the earth. When you are in conductive contact with the earth, its natural, gentle electrical energy stabilises your body’s bioelectrical systems. It has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, along with a whole range of other health benefits: it reduces pain and inflammation, promotes better sleep, improves circulation and normalises blood pressure.
   
   In your breaks, get up from your desk, take a walk and find a bit of grass. Take your shoes off and put your feet on the ground (recommended for a minimum of 35 minutes). Or why not take that work meeting outdoors and get your colleagues to have a barefoot meeting! 
2. Essential oils can help alter our physical, mental and emotional well-being by triggering and strengthening our bodies’ own natural processes. They are made up of tiny molecules that can deliver healing properties to the systems that control our physiological state. Burn them in the office, or apply or consume them as appropriate. 

   My top picks for stress are Frankincense, Wild Orange, and Juniper berry. 

3. Meditation is also a powerful stress release tool. When you meditate, your breath rate slows down, your blood pressure and heart rate go down, your muscle tension decreases, the production of melatonin increases, and your body releases endorphins.
   
   A 10 minute meditation app is a great start and easy to do on the way to/from work, or on your lunch break. I like Headspace and Smiling Mind.

If your feeling overwhelmed or stressed, get out of the office and take some time for yourself. Although sometimes a new job is part of the solution. So if it’s a new tech job you’re looking for, or some more great tips on how to create a more balanced work/life, reach out to me on email at tegan@middletonexec.com.au – and follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter for more career and wellbeing tips and advice.