7 easy ways to relax

We all sometimes face the inevitable stress of everyday life. Here are some ideas to help you switch off and relax.

1. Take a break. Take some time away from your normal routines or thoughts, even if only for a few minutes. You could read a book or a magazine, call a friend, make a drink, splash your face with cold water… literally anything that involves thinking about or doing something different than you would normally do.
2. Breathe more slowly. When our breathing is shallow and fast, the nervous system believes that we are under threat and so we feel tense and anxious. Breathing more slowly will make you feel calmer and increase your sense of wellbeing. Just a simple step like breathing out for a longer period than you breathe in turns on our anti-stress response. Practice breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, while keeping your shoulders down and relaxed. Place your hand on your stomach; it should rise as you breathe in and fall as you breathe out.
3. Picture yourself in a relaxing place. Think of somewhere you’ve been where you felt relaxed and peaceful. Close your eyes and use your imagination to go back there – really concentrate on the details – what did it look like? Smell like? Sound like? Feel like? This will help your mind drift and your body relax.
4. Take some gentle exercise. Relaxation doesn’t necessarily mean being still. Gentle exercise such as yoga, pilates, stretching and walking at your own pace can really help your mind and body to relax. There are plenty of free videos online if you’d like to try something you’re not familiar with.
5. Try a guided relaxation or meditation. If you find it hard to relax or meditate because of that persistent little voice in your head reminding you of all your worries and concerns, a guided mediation may be a good place for you to start. Think of it as exercise for your mind, and like all forms of exercise, the more you do it, the better you’ll become. There are free resources widely available online or via apps for your smart phone, or if you’d prefer to go to a class in person, check to see if your local MIND (a mental health charity) runs mindfulness courses.
6. Be creative. Getting in touch with your artistic side can make you calmer and more relaxed. Why not try painting, drawing or crafting or baking. The aim of the exercise is not the finished product so don’t stress about it; you just have to focus on enjoying yourself.
7. Get outside. For 99% of human history, humans lived in nature as nomads. That’s why time outside in green spaces can be great for both our physical and mental wellbeing. Take a walk in the countryside or through a local park, paying attention to what’s around you – trees, flowers, plants, insects and animals. Really notice the difference that the changing of the seasons is making.