Stress! We all know the feeling, whether it’s battling a daily commute, trying to keep on top of a never ending email inbox, or just generally trying to juggle all our personal and work commitments, it’s become an inevitable part of our increasingly busy lives. But just because stress is largely unavoidable, it doesn’t mean we can’t remedy some of our daily worries with a few quick and easy tips which can help to relieve our mind and bodies. Check out some sure fire suggestions we’ve compiled which we hope will help you to seriously chill out:
Meditation/Yoga
In recent years, science has proven that regular meditation and yoga improves mental health and, believe it or not, your physical appearance too. The good news is you don’t need to jump on a flight to Bali and check yourself into an intensive retreat, well you could if you have the time and money, but meditation can be as easy as devoting just five minutes of your day to stop, breathe, and relax.
Simply find a quiet place, maybe it’s your car or bedroom, even a park bench after work, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Follow the technique of breathing in for five seconds, holding your breath for five seconds, then releasing your breath for five seconds. One minute of quiet and calm is sure to ease some of your unnecessary stress.
Yoga is another great way to unwind your toiled mind and relax through slow and sustained stretches. Why not treat yourself to a spot of lunchtime practice and insert a bit of zen into your work day.
Massage Therapy
The power of massage in relieving stress and anxiety is well-known. It’s one of the quickest ways to help you feel rejuvenated, as it physically gets rid of muscle knots and tension, reduces pain and improves circulation, which can also do wonders for your mind.
Let their team of passionate and qualified aestheticians pamper you with their use of products and treatments that are 100% natural, not only nourishing your body on the outside, but making sure it’s healthy on the inside, too.
Healthy Eating
Foods that contain sugar, butter, and cheese are also said to increase stress levels. Try to fill your diet largely with healthy choices like whole grains and protein that can lift your mood and provide you with long-lasting energy to tackle anything that comes your way. According to scientists, top foods that are especially effective for stress-busting include, salmon, almonds and blueberries.
Also, try and avoid too much caffeine, although studies show some coffee during the day can offer health benefits, too much can cause us to feel jittery and anxious and eventually lead us to crash.
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
We have all heard it a thousand times, the massive benefits of getting a good night’s beauty sleep, but that’s because it really is one of most important natural stress reducers of them all. However, it’s all about getting the right amount of sleep to leave us feeling well-rested and ready for the day. Too little leaves us irritable and cranky but too much can leave us sluggish and depressed.
To promote better sleep, establish bedtime rituals that signal to your brain that it’s time to fall asleep, avoid caffeine and exercise three hours before bedtime and to unwind try taking a warm bath or reading a book.
Eating certain foods that help create melatonin, a natural sleep aid, like bananas, oats, peanuts, figs and dairy can also help promote sleep. However, avoid having a large meal close to bedtime as this may result in indigestion or heartburn.
Facials
Last but not least, give your epidermis some love! Weeks of stress and anxiety can leave dark circles under your eyes and a lack of colour in your cheeks. One of the quickest ways to get your skin looking fresh and radiant again is a relaxing facial treatment.
Pick one, two, or all five of these tips and de-stress today!
