
Rebrand Workplace Stress to Avoid Burnout
A Memo to the Stressed Out
Hi, I’m Cheyenne Ellis and I am driven by the idea that your office can and should be a place where you feel valued, a place that ignites your energy and inspires you to do great work–rather than feeling constantly stressed. Did just seeing the word stress bring a series of feelings, maybe guilt, a little bit of shame, annoyance sprinkled in with a hint of anxiety, or worse, more stress? Let that go, and take three deep breath. One. Two. Three.
This is a big deal for a few reasons.
First, because burnout will now be classified as a chronic condition, by the International Classification of Diseases, and unlike before, this new definition specifically ties burnout to the workplace, not general areas of life.
Second, the formal recognition of burnout legitimizes the imperative to better manage our workplace stress. This brings greater attention to this topic, and highlights the value of companies to build and maintain positive workplace culture while promoting a healthy work-life balance. Stress, a majority of which stems from the workplace, now has an even greater correlation to our overall health.

Greater productivity is not necessarily a bad thing, as we are now able to do more. In addition, stress is natural and going to happen no matter how perfect our job appears. In fact, low levels of sporadic stress are shown to sharpen your brain and enhance our ability to problem solve.
However, while our workplace landscape and expectations have shifted, the amount of stress stemming from the workplace has grown. Employees and leadership need for a new set of tools to manage this new landscape, and the growing stress levels to avoid burnout. Instead of digging deep in an outdated toolbox, let's rebranding of our workplace stress.

Re-brand your workplace stress to release your potential for burnout.
Hungry? Instead of inhaling the month old candy lingering in the office kitchen, or downing a sugar-dossed coffee at 3:00 pm, snack on a piece of fruit, eat raw nuts.
Stuck? When tempted to aimlessly scroll Instagram, take a break from screen time, get outside, take a walk around the block or your office space.
Frustrated? If a colleague, a supervisor, or the progress of a project, or even all three are aggravating you, make movements.
Physical movements allow your body and mind to release stress. Think of this as clicking the refresh icon on your web browser, but instead, it refreshes for your mind.


Everyday workplace movement tips
Read below for movement tips to rebrand our workplace habits, so we’re able to release workplace stress, enhance professional efficacy and avoid burnout.

1. Forward Fold
Hinge forward at your hips and grab opposite elbows
Bend your knees as much as feels good
Release the top of your head down to the floor to release tension in your head
Make Movements, and softly shake your head to say yes, no, wiggle hips side to side
Benefits: This move releases tension in lower back and hips, and is fantastic after sitting at your desk or long meetings.


2. Leg Moves
Stand up and root down on one leg.
Bend one knee back and grab a hold of your ankle with one hand.
Keep both knees in the same line.
Option to use your desk or desk chair as balance.
Soften your jaw, and invite five solid inhales and exhales.
Benefits: This move enhances flexibility in your spine and hamstring, and stretches and strengthens your ankles, and hamstrings. A great compliment to a forward fold stretch, to augment long periods of desk sitting.

3. Neck Stretch
Drop your left ear to left shoulder and ear
Place the palm of your left hand on your right ear, acting as a paperweight
Soften your jaw and facial muscles, and then switch to the opposite side
Benefits: This move releases tension in your neck and upper shoulders, two hot spots where we hold most of our stress.


4. Wrist Flicks
Extend your arms out wide like a capital T
Start with your fingers lose, and pointing down
Begin to flick your fingers, first slow, then speed up to quick, fast flicks
Turn your fingers to point up, continue to flick
Extend your arms up to the sky, and continue to flick, (likely feeling the heat in your forearms now!)
Benefits: Due to the common frequent use of phones and computers, our wrists are tighter than ever. This move is fantastic to loosen your wrists and to reverse any effects of carpal syndrome.
Relax to the Rhythm
Hand-picked by yoga instructor Cheyenne Ellis, these tranquil tunes will set the perfect mood for yoga, meditation, and relaxation with free-flowing beats and epic feels.