Take the stress out of your day

Taking care of how you look and feel can sometimes be a stress in itself – often, we feel guilty or that we’re time-wasting if we’re not getting things done. But it’s important to try to set aside some time each day to slow down and let ourselves unwind. There are simple ways to take care of our bodies and our minds, either with a spot of pampering, going for a swim or by taking a few moments to acknowledge how you’re feeling, and all this can help you feel glowing and healthy inside and out.

An unusual workout

It’s not just a saying that laughter is the best medicine: it’s the truth. Studies have shown us what a great workout laughter is. It’s a great way to tone muscles and improve respiration because it gets more oxygen into your blood. It’s also effective for all ages – and expertise – and highly infectious. Why not try some Laughter Yoga to feel more positive and healthy – and it’s a scream to practise every day. In the end, we all need to laugh at ourselves a little more.

Daily Massage

There are benefits to a massage that go far beyond helping you to relax. We all know that there are products out there for your feet, your back or your head – depending on where your aches and pains are – that tone muscles as well as help you to unwind. With a facial massage it’s also possible to improve the condition of the skin on your face and its health and elasticity. For those who want to take things into their own hands rather than visiting the salon, an electric face massager is an effective daily tool that can help to increase blood flow and rid you of stress lines and those dark circles under your eyes. 

Mindfulness

It’s a bit more than taking a five-minute breather. Mindfulness is about being aware of where you are and how your body is feeling or reacting to what’s going on around you. This practice is recommended by both the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a means of targeting depression and increasing well-being. With daily practice, you can improve your mood and learn how to be more conscious of your thoughts. A quick look online can help with the steps to guide you through some exercises at home, or charities like Mind offer a range of programmes, so why not try a course to get you started.

Aromatherapy

We can use aromatherapy to soothe and de-stress our bodies or revitalise our skin. Aromatherapy oils can make us feel energised and their scents can help connect us to our memories and emotions while inhaling aromatic oils can benefit respiration. Eucalyptus and Peppermint oil are known to help refresh and enhance relaxation and can be blended with other oils like Rosemary, Lemon and Marjoram if you wanted to have a go at mixing up some natural stress remedies yourself at home.

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