No shoes, less stress: 6 ways to reset your brain at work

The debate over the office dress code has officially reached the floor: is it okay to take your shoes off at your desk? The fact that we're even asking this reflects a huge shift in the workplace. Employees, especially in Technology, are prioritising comfort and wellbeing over stiff formality.

Whether your office is a barefoot zone or strictly business, the goal is the same: find ways to reduce stress and boost focus so you can deliver your best work.

Here are six simple, desk-friendly techniques you can use right now to reset your brain and beat burnout without ever leaving your seat.

1. The two-minute box breath

When a deadline or a particularly thorny bug hits, try Box Breathing. It’s used by everyone from Navy SEALs to CEOs for instant calm.

• How: Close your eyes. Inhale for a slow count of four. Hold for four. Exhale for four. Hold for four. Repeat three times.

• The benefit: It actively lowers your heart rate and forces a mental reset.

2. Micro-stretches for macro relief

Stress collects in your neck and shoulders. You don't need a yoga mat—just 60 seconds of gentle movement.

• How: Roll your shoulders up, back, and down. Gently tilt your head side-to-side (ear to shoulder) to release neck tension.

• The benefit: Reduces physical tension that contributes directly to mental fatigue.

3. Change your scent, change your state

Our sense of smell is powerfully connected to memory and mood.

• How: Keep a small vial of essential oil (like invigorating peppermint or calming lavender) at your desk. Take a moment to breathe it in when you feel a dip in energy or a surge of anxiety.

• The benefit: It's an instant cognitive anchor to shift your emotional state.

4. The 5-minute anti-clutter drill

A messy desk contributes to a messy, stressed mind.

• How: Set a timer for five minutes and only focus on the area immediately around your keyboard and monitor. Tidy up cables, toss old notes, and put away stray items.

• The benefit: Creates a small, visible "win" and offers an immediate sense of calm and control.

5. Switch to a soundscape

If background office noise is distracting, skip the mainstream music and try a focused soundscape.

• How: Use white noise, brown noise, or ambient sounds like rain or nature tracks designed for concentration.

• The benefit: These constant, non-verbal sounds block distraction and promote a state of deep focus.

6. Swap scrolling for a smile

When you take a break, resist the urge to doom-scroll social media, which often leaves you feeling more drained.

• How: Instead, use that time for a quick, non-work interaction. Ping a team-mate a funny GIF, or walk over to the kitchen for a chat about their weekend.

• The benefit: Authentic human interaction is a proven mood booster and is far more rejuvenating than screen time.

Try weaving these small habits into your workday. Prioritising comfort and mental breaks isn't a distraction from your career—it's the fuel that sustains it.