Our high-tech, high-impact lifestyles have led many of us to spend hours at a time working at our computers, answering endless emails, and taking on more and more work.
The irony is that all of the new devices that have come around in recent decades were created to improve efficiency free up time for us to relax and have fun. But instead, we take on more tasks, which eventually stresses us out and leads to inefficiency.
To reduce stress, make a point of taking regular breaks away from the computer. Sometimes I will actually set my smart-phone alarm to remind me to stand up, stretch, take a walk down the hall, and have a face-to-face conversation with a colleague.
These brief but frequent breaks refresh me, improve my mental focus, and increase my efficiency.