It’s a crazy world out there, and the business community is no different. There’s a ton of pressure on your shoulders to succeed, and often that pressure builds up to a boiling point. When this happens, your productivity can suffer, and you put yourself at risk of burning out.
To avoid this, you need an outlet. That’s where technology comes into play and that’s where we have fun ways to relieve stress at work.
I love a good walk to unwind and refresh, but sometimes that isn’t in the cards. So, I’ve put together a list of 3 of my favorite technologies for those times when you need to get away from reality, but you can’t leave your desk.
Video games
I know, you were always told as a child that video games would rot your brain. And while some games might do just that, there is certainly value in taking a video game break during the workday.
Here are just a few of the ways you can benefit.
- Allows you to have a little fun and stop the mental drain
- Makes you think in a creative way
- Gives you a new challenge to focus your mind on as a distraction
Fortunately, to do this, you don’t need a PS4 or an Xbox in your office. There are plenty of amazing, free options online.
Here are two of my favorites:
1. Plays.org
Plays.org has tons of amazing, easy-to-play options. From classic arcades to adventure and strategy, educational games, pinball, and more, you can definitely find something for yourself. The team is always adding new games, and the best news is that you get to play for free.
One of my favorites is the Danger Mouse game. Based on the 1980s cartoon series (revamped in 2015), you’ll find yourself running through labyrinths, collecting prizes, and zapping bad guys with a freeze ray. And in addition to the gameplay, this game offers some solid cut scenes as well.
2. Mindgames.com
Mindgames.com is another excellent option. This website focuses more on puzzles, teasers, and games like Sudoku, Mahjong, and word games. It’s a great way to stay sharp during the day. So, if you find yourself drifting off into space, this site offers games that can help you regain focus and get back on track.
I love Mahjong 2048. It’s an interesting twist on the traditional game of Mahjong. Players shift blocks around, reminiscent of Tetris, lining up similar blocks to knock them out and score points. You want to avoid filling up the box. It’s a great way to refresh your brain, and you can play this one without a significant time investment so you can get back to work.
Podcasts
If video games aren’t your thing, you can try escaping into the world of podcasts. Just pop your headphones in your ears and drift off into a true-crime mystery or keep up on the latest news in your industry. There are podcasts for virtually any taste, so pick your favorite and tune in.
Podcasts can give you a solid 15-minute (or longer) break during your workday. And there is a wide selection of directory options to choose from. A few of the top podcast directories include:
- Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- Google Podcasts
These are just a handful of the many available options, so pick the one that’s the best fit for you, select your favorite podcasts, and then tune in to learn, be entertained, refresh, and get back on track.
One of my favorite podcasts – for the marketers reading this post – is This Old Marketing with hosts Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose.
Join Twitter Chats
Have you ever stopped by and participated in a Twitter chat? If not, you’re missing out. Typically, a Twitter chat will be hosted by an influencer or company and features a guest whose expertise is highlighted during the chat. Each chat will also have a hashtag you can follow, which allows you to keep up with chats as they happen.
One of my favorite chats is the #SemrushChat presented by, you guessed it, SEMRush. If you’re into SEO, content marketing, and the digital space in general, this is a great chat to follow.
Twitter chats are a great way to expand your knowledge and make new connections during your downtime at the office. You can get wrapped up in conversation and learn something new at the same time. Don’t be afraid to jump in and join the chat. This is the best way to gain the most value from Twitter chats.
Final Words
So, if you don’t have time to get up and take a walk or otherwise remove yourself from your desk, these are some great online options to help you unwind and get back to work feeling refreshed. As you can see, we’ve dispelled the myth that video games are bad. And if you bring a simple pair of headphones to the office, you can drift away into another world.
Twitter chats are also a great way to unwind. And the best part is that you can gain some knowledge, meet new people, and grow at the same time. There’s no need for you to burn out.
Find ways to remove yourself from the situation. Rather than stressing out and making things worse, take a step back, have some fun, learn something new, and leverage the power of technology to get your mind back on track!