Simple Steps to De-Stressing Your Life
50% of British adults feel stressed on a daily basis and our children are getting more stressed too. Whether it’s work woes, financial anxieties, relationship problems or any other of life’s strains, you can tackle the tension by adopting some fresh habits and incorporating them as frequently as possible.
De-Cluttering
A messy home reflects a messy mind. Many find cleaning and de-cluttering a therapeutic process because the respect we show to our surroundings mirrors that which we feel for ourselves. Hoarded items, mess and general untidiness can be rectified to add clarity and calm, particularly in rooms in which you spend a lot of time such as bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.
Morning Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice designed to fuse the body, mind, heart and spirit. Often our minds are like wild horses, gallivanting madly between one idea and the next. Yoga teaches quiet, focus and mindfulness and has been proven to minimise stress.
Indoor Plants
When man is segregated from nature the result is often stress. Modern lifestyles separate us from nature all too often. Surround yourself with indoor plants to recapture the tranquillity that natural, living greenery inspires.
Simplify your Life
Stress is a negative response to having too much to do. It is the mind telling the body that it is incapable of handling so much at once. As most of us juggle jobs with family and leisure, it’s no wonder that over half of us feel stressed! Simplifying life is a great way to reduce stress. Think about what you need and want in your life, and cut away the rest.
Scented Candles
Scented candles have been used for everything from massage to rituals and are a great way to relax and indulge. Scattered around the home, the aromas can unwind the mind and promote relaxation
Have a Bath
Most of us have a quick shower but the indulgent properties of a long soak in the bath can be just the remedy after a hard day.
Be Mindful
Before you respond emotionally, sit back and question why you feel what you do. Accept your thoughts and let them pass.
Exercise
Even a 30 minute walk daily can have a powerful effect on the mind and body, detoxifying the body of negative emotions.
Be Healthy
Many of our go-to comfort foods actually add to stress. Eat healthy foods. Try to eat vegetarian or vegan at least once a week. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and organic meats. Limit sugar, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Always have a light breakfast and drink plenty of water.
Rest
Get as much rest as you can. It’s not always easy, but let yourself have a lie in now and then.
Following these simple steps should make you feel much less stressed in a matter of days. But remember, if you feel under too much pressure for an extended period of time then you need to find out the cause of the stress and address the matter directly, or seek medical help.