Latest news with #office
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
4 Simple Routines for Managing Stress at Work
Cut work stress with simple routines like time blocking, weekly wins tracking, and scheduling ... More moments of joy—small steps that make a big difference. Have you ever had the feeling that your workday begins before you're ready and ends much later than it should? In today's fast-paced work environment, stress has become a constant companion for many professionals. In fact, according to a study by Headspace, 77% of employees say work-related stress has taken a toll on their physical health. Whether you're working remotely, in an office, or juggling multiple roles, the pressure to meet deadlines, stay productive, and maintain a work-life balance can be overwhelming. Fortunately, implementing a few simple routines can significantly reduce this stress and help you manage your day more effectively. Here are four easy strategies you can start using today to stay on top of your work without letting stress take over your life. Time Block To Structure Your Day One of the most effective ways to reduce stress at work is through time blocking, also known as calendaring. This involves planning your day in advance and allocating specific time slots for various tasks, meetings, and even breaks. The key here is not just filling your calendar, but doing so intentionally, with room for flexibility. By mapping out your day each morning or the day before, you create a structure that makes it easier to focus. You won't waste mental energy figuring out what to do next, and you can avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling. Always leave buffer time in your schedule. Unforeseen events, urgent tasks, or a longer-than-expected meeting can quickly derail your entire day if you haven't accounted for them. For instance, if you block time for focused work from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., consider adding a 15-minute breather before your next meeting. This helps you regroup and reduces the anxiety that comes with running behind schedule. By regularly updating and reviewing your calendar, you create a more predictable and manageable workday. Use A Project Management Tool To Keep Deadlines Organized Nothing contributes to work-related stress like forgotten tasks or missed deadlines. That's where a project management tool comes in handy. Whether you prefer digital platforms like Trello, Asana, Notion, or ClickUp, these tools allow you to organize your work, set priorities, and track your progress all in one place. A good project management tool makes it easier to break large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks, assign deadlines, and visualize your workload. Instead of relying on memory or a cluttered inbox, everything you need is clearly laid out in front of you. This alone can eliminate a huge portion of work stress caused by disorganization or poor time management. To make the most of these tools, set aside a specific time at the start of your workweek to review your upcoming tasks and deadlines. Make sure everything is up to date and realistic. The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what's on your plate can dramatically lower your stress levels. Consistently Add To Your Brag Sheet Stress often stems from the feeling that we're not accomplishing enough or that our work is going unnoticed. Combat this by maintaining a brag sheet or a document where you record your wins and achievements, no matter how big or small. This could be a Google Doc, a note on your phone, or even a handwritten journal. At the end of each week, jot down what you achieved, whether they are finished projects, positive feedback, problem-solving moments, or handling a tough conversation well. Over time, this collection of accomplishments becomes a tangible reminder of your growth and capabilities. Not only does this practice help build your confidence, but it also comes in handy during performance reviews or job interviews. It provides a mental shift away from focusing only on what's next or distinguishing what went wrong to recognizing what went well. That perspective can go a long way in reducing work-related anxiety. Schedule Fun Activities During The Week Lastly, remember that work is only one part of your life. One of the most overlooked stress-management strategies is to deliberately schedule non-work-related activities not only on weekends but also during the week. These could be as simple as grabbing coffee with a friend, going for a walk in the park, attending a yoga class, or spending an evening reading a book you enjoy or watching a good movie. These moments serve as pressure-release valves, giving your brain a chance to reset. If your calendar is filled only with work obligations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out. But if you treat fun the same way you treat meetings, it becomes a priority and not an afterthought. Think of these activities as 'appointments with yourself.' They not only help you recharge but also give you something to look forward to, which can be incredibly motivating during a stressful workweek. Managing stress at work doesn't require drastic changes. It's about adopting smart, consistent habits. By incorporating these four routines into your weekly rhythm, you can transform your approach to work and significantly reduce the stress that comes with it.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
My petty gripe: I don't begrudge your coffee addiction – but do you have to be such a bore about it?
I get it: you really like coffee. And you have an addiction. I'm not judging that. You're beholden to Big Bean, hopelessly hooked on the world's most consumed psychotropic drug. But, err, do you have to be such a bore about it? Does it really need a mention on your dating profile, as though a fondness for hot brown liquid is a personality trait? Is a coffee not truly a coffee unless it's conjured from scratch by a barista? And do you really need to be such a grump in the morning if you don't get it? Should you really be entitled to an extra hour's work break so you can stand in a lengthy cafe queue both morning and afternoon? (Before you delay yet another work meeting in favour of a protracted caffeine-foraging mission, let me introduce you to the office espresso machine and – don't give me that look – this jar of instant coffee.) Sure, you want an excuse to gossip with your colleagues*, get some fresh air, get your daily steps in or leave your lonely work-from-home station to have the only in-person interaction you'll have all day. All very worthy causes. But then on the weekend you'll make me tag along with you while you search for another overpriced cafe coffee just 20 minutes after you imbibed the first because the milk in the first cup of joe was under-steamed and you simply can't continue with your day until you've overridden that abomination with a quality flat white. Or on our camping trip you'll snub the moka pot-brewed campfire coffee and jump in your car and drive out of the wilderness to the nearest town to buy an artisanal long black in a takeaway cup. Waiting for you to return from your one-and-a-half-hour round trip ate up most of our precious morning, Peter! Granted, I don't know much about latte art, but I do know swans belong at liberty on shimmering lakes, not confined atop your morning beverage. As the world descends deeper into economic hardship, environmental doom and the clutches of authoritarian nutjobs, coffee snobbery inexplicably endures and strengthens, like cockroaches after the apocalypse. Apologies if I sound a bit bitter, tired and irritable, as though I have a mild headache coming on. Perhaps a shot of single-origin locally roasted ristretto will sort me out. * This article does not reflect on any of my Guardian Australia colleagues – I love you all
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
According to research, this 4-minute chair yoga for beginners class can help rid neck pain, stiff shoulders and desk-related strain
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Yoga has the amazing ability to reduce stress, improve mental wellbeing, and increase flexibility. And when you practice this mind-body exercise on a chair, you can feel all of these benefits without even having to leave your desk. But chair yoga—AKA the type of yoga that is performed while perched on a chair or using a seat for support—not only makes sense for office workers who have spent the past eight hours glued to their screens. This accessible practice can also do wonders for those who have balance or mobility issues, as it makes this form of exercise more attainable for anyone who struggles to get up from and down to the floor. Another upside to chair yoga is that relief from tightness and tension is only ever just moments away. For example, this yoga stretch, designed by yoga teacher Hye Yeon Lee, aims to rid neck, upper back pain, alleviate stiff shoulders, and help with desk-related strain—and it takes just four minutes. While you won't need to meet the yogi on the mat, if you can steal five minutes away from your desk, it's a good idea to roll out one of the best yoga mats and pop it underneath your chair. This will help provide some extra grip during your seated workout and help cushion your feet. Watch how to do this four-minute chair yoga stretch for neck and upper back pain 'This is a short and effective chair yoga class to release tension around your neck and upper back,' Lee tells her YouTube subscribers. In this quick stretch, Lee demonstrates how to complete each seated stretch and adds in a voice-over explaining how to master the moves, too. The class includes exercises like arm circles, a c-shape back stretch, and slow side rocks, which will help to increase the movement in your spine and neck. Seated cat/cows are also thrown in, which will help to boost the flexibility in your upper body by taking your spine through spinal flexion (the bending forward or curving of the spine) and extension (the backward arching movement of the spine). To end, Lee includes a side bend right and a side bend left, which are two other fundamental movement patterns needed for maintaining a healthy spine. Does chair yoga really work? Yes, chair yoga really does work, and it brings with it many physical and mental benefits. According to research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, an eight-week chair yoga program can help in the reduction of pain, fatigue and improvement in gait speed, in those who have osteoarthritis and are unable to take part in standing exercise. A 2023 study, which looked at the effect that chair yoga has on those with knee osteoarthritis, also found that this low-impact type of exercise could improve functional fitness, boost daily life activity scores, and help with healthy ageing. While another study, which tasked 20 office workers to complete 15 minutes of chair-based yoga and guided meditation, could 'acutely improve' several physiological and psychological markers of stress by reducing respiration rate. Lastly, chair yoga can be a blessing in disguise for newbies as they can try out many of the best yoga stretches for beginners from a seated position, and build their confidence and form before taking on a harder standing class. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Forget squats — this 20-minute chair yoga routine sculpts stronger legs and core muscles without weights Ditch neck pain! This 10-minute abs workout sculpts and strengthens your core (no sit-ups needed) Forget dumbbells — this chair workout builds full-body strength in just 15 minutes
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai office market shows early signs of rate stabilisation
Rents for prime office spaces in Dubai have risen 36 per cent compared to last year, data showed on Monday. New findings from Savills latest Dubai Office Market in Minutes report for Q2 2025 indicate a shift from last year's pattern of across-the-board rental growth, with signs that rents are beginning to level out in several submarkets. At the same time, the market continues to see strong appetite for larger office spaces and an evolving mix of future supply, marking a noticeable change from the trends observed in 2024. The report highlights that 11 of the 23 submarkets tracked by Savills saw no quarterly change in rents, a contrast to last year's steady and constant growth. This points to a more cautious approach by some occupiers as they wait for new developments to be delivered before committing to commercial space. Savills Middle East data also shows a clear shift in demand towards bigger spaces. In Q2 2025, 44 per cent of leasing enquiries were for offices between 10,000 and 20,000 sq ft, reflecting a move by new entrants and existing firms looking to expand their operations. By comparison, spaces below 10,000 sq ft accounted for 38 per cent of total demand. Toby Hall, Head of Commercial Agency at Savills Middle East said: 'We're seeing clear evidence that businesses continue to commit to Dubai, with larger footprint requirements becoming more common. Despite global economic headwinds, the city remains an attractive hub, supported by a strong pipeline of international companies establishing or growing their regional operations here.' Rachael Kennerley, Director of Research at Savills Middle East added: 'The stabilisation of rents in several submarkets suggests the market is entering a more balanced phase. While core areas remain in high demand, we're now seeing occupiers adopt more considered strategies, including securing future space in advance or exploring emerging locations with better affordability.' In another shift from previous years, Savills has observed traditionally residential developers now exploring strata office developments, which could bring more diversified ownership models and broaden the office landscape beyond the usual central business districts. This aligns with Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan, which seeks to build a 20-minute city with commercial activity spread across more areas. With recent rental rises still fresh in mind, more occupiers are now securing rights of first refusal on additional space within their existing buildings. This gives them the ability to grow as needed while maintaining the benefits of their current lease agreements. Looking ahead, Savills expects demand to increasingly spill over into locations such as Dubai South and Expo City, supported by the availability of larger spaces, more competitive rents, and improved transport links.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
My petty gripe: I don't begrudge your coffee addiction – but do you have to be such a bore about it?
I get it: you really like coffee. And you have an addiction. I'm not judging that. You're beholden to Big Bean, hopelessly hooked on the world's most consumed psychotropic drug. But, err, do you have to be such a bore about it? Does it really need a mention on your dating profile, as though a fondness for hot brown liquid is a personality trait? Is a coffee not truly a coffee unless it's conjured from scratch by a barista? And do you really need to be such a grump in the morning if you don't get it? Should you really be entitled to an extra hour's work break so you can stand in a lengthy cafe queue both morning and afternoon? (Before you delay yet another work meeting in favour of a protracted caffeine-foraging mission, let me introduce you to the office espresso machine and – don't give me that look – this jar of instant coffee.) Sure, you want an excuse to gossip with your colleagues*, get some fresh air, get your daily steps in or leave your lonely work-from-home station to have the only in-person interaction you'll have all day. All very worthy causes. But then on the weekend you'll make me tag along with you while you search for another overpriced cafe coffee just 20 minutes after you imbibed the first because the milk in the first cup of joe was under-steamed and you simply can't continue with your day until you've overridden that abomination with a quality flat white. Or on our camping trip you'll snub the moka pot-brewed campfire coffee and jump in your car and drive out of the wilderness to the nearest town to buy an artisanal long black in a takeaway cup. Waiting for you to return from your one-and-a-half-hour round trip ate up most of our precious morning, Peter! Granted, I don't know much about latte art, but I do know swans belong at liberty on shimmering lakes, not confined atop your morning beverage. As the world descends deeper into economic hardship, environmental doom and the clutches of authoritarian nutjobs, coffee snobbery inexplicably endures and strengthens, like cockroaches after the apocalypse. Apologies if I sound a bit bitter, tired and irritable, as though I have a mild headache coming on. Perhaps a shot of single-origin locally roasted ristretto will sort me out. * This article does not reflect any of my Guardian Australia colleagues – I love you all
