Four cost-free ways to help you relax and improve your mental health
WORK, children, relationships, or money trouble can cause daily stress.
If you are feeling on edge, there are cost-free things you can do to help you relax. Try these tips to calm your inner storm.
BREATHE: Deep breathing exercises help calm us down during moments of anxiety, according to Dr Sophie Mort, clinical psychologist at mental health app Headspace.
She says: “When we intentionally breathe deeper through the nose, we may notice our breath is pushing out our stomach. This is a sign that our lungs are expanding and increasing airflow.” Deep breathing activates our “rest and digest” system, which tells the body to relax.
MOVE: Getting active can help clear your thoughts and calm intense emotions.
Dr Sophie says: “Moving our bodies can decrease stress hormones and encourages the production of endorphins which uplifts our mood.
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“Even just a ten-minute stroll can ease our minds and dispel overwhelming thoughts.”
NATURE: Being in a natural environment can help lower our stress levels. Try to incorporate green space into everyday activities. For example, walk through the park to go to work.
If you can’t get out, even listening to the sounds of birds chirping for five minutes can provide calm, according to studies. You can find “bird song” sounds on YouTube and listen free.
TALK: Speaking about your worries can bring a sense of relief.
Dr Sophie says: “If work is stressing you out, research indicates that venting to colleagues has a positive impact on mental health and helps us process our emotions.”
Talking also creates connection which helps bring us joy and a sense of belonging.
Take time each day to spend quality moments with family or friends — eating dinner or lunch together, for example, where you can bond.
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