All of us have some kind of work related stress, but it’s how we deal with it that can make a difference in our wellbeing. HEALTH speaks with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Saliha Afridi who reveals her tips to manage.

1.Mindfulness Meditation:
It’s such a simple thing to do—but it is often the simplest tasks that are complicated to implement. So build a practice, find a quiet space and sit. Focus on your breath. When the thoughts take
you away, come back to the breath. Do this at the start of your day and in the middle of your day and you will find ourself grounded, centered, and much more able to focus. If you don’t know how to do this, get a mindfulness coach.

2.Color:
Get a coloring book and take 10 to 15 minutes to clear your head, calm, and relax you.

3.Reminders:
Find ways to remind yourself to take deep breaths and stay true to your values. Some ways you can remind yourself is by wearing a rubber band and  ‘snapping’ yourself into the present moment, wear your watch on the opposite hand, or putting a green nail polish dot on your phone screen so you are reminded every time you look at it. Remember, humans habituate so whatever method you use to remind yourself, rotate it every week or so.

4.Spend Time in Nature
Whether it’s sitting quietly amongst the dunes or on the beach by the sea, there are many benefits of connecting to nature. When you are in nature, visualize opening up your heart and mind and send out love and thanks.

5.Sleep:
Turn off your screens at least two hours before bedtime-the blue light from the screen delays the release of melatonin, which is your aid in acquiring deep sleep.