It’s officially post-Halloween and you better believe that my desk is already decked out with a Christmas tree (thanks, Noreen!), and I’ve been burning my absolute favorite candle at ALL times of the year, White Barn Fresh Balsam, since September (thanks, Ellen!) To say my amazing coworkers know about (and support) my obsession with the holiday season is an understatement. Each year, I make it known how happy it makes me and I try to spread the joy around the office.
You see, as I’ve mentioned before, PR is often at the top of many publications’ “Most Stressful Jobs” lists. I know many who read this (and most who I’ve told face to face) find this really hard to believe because they don’t exactly get what we do- except for publicists, who revel in the fact that finally, someone who understands recognizes it! This is why it is critical for there to be healthy outlets for us all to de-stress. Aside from my holiday obsession, which truly begins in July every year at the Hallmark ornament premiere that my mom got me hooked on, I love working out and experiencing the amazing restaurants in this city. You can find me at my local barre studio at least 3-4 times each week or exploring new restaurants as a budding foodie.
Here’s a list of the top 10 ways we here at Heron Agency recommend unwinding.
- Spend time with friends and family that take your mind off your stresses and who don’t mind listening to those many client nightmares.
- Work out! From hitting the gym to barre classes to aerial aerobics, there are so many fun ways to burn off some steam (and calories!) at the beginning or end of each day.
- Find a new book to dive into. Nothing can take your mind off of the worries of the day like really getting into that amazing new book recommendation.
- Go shopping! There’s nothing I love more than a fun day at the mall with my mom. Whether you’re window shopping or shopping for an occasion, this fun activity is a great way to get your mood in a better place.
- Treat yourself! From that full flavor Starbucks Latte that you try to avoid at all other times, to a mani/pedi, to a massage, do whatever it takes to splurge a little and pamper yourself from time to time because you deserve it!
- Cook or bake. Holly in our office is an insanely talented cake artist (check out our Instagram for some of her work). I try to tackle new recipes from time to time (sometimes successfully, other times not so much) and others of us are masters of the slow cooker. Whatever your method- taking your mind off work and into creating a delicious masterpiece can sometimes be just the trick!
- Eat Healthy. I know, coming off #5 and #6 this seems a bit ridiculous, but you’d be amazed at how just eating clean for a few days can reset the body and mind and make you feel like a new person.
- Veg out in front of the TV at least once a week to watch that TV show that you can’t wait for every week (some office favorites include Chicago Fire and PD, Newsroom, Big Bang Theory, Supergirl, The Affair, House of Cards, and MTV and Bravo reality trash TV)
- Take a walk. Sometimes my saving grace is getting out of the office, either alone or with a co-worker, and walking around the block. Taking the time away to just get a good, deep breath or two is all you need to reset.
- When all else fails. Grab a glass of wine! They say a glass of wine a day is good for you, right?!
