Relaxation can be achieved in many different ways, from guided meditation and visualization exercises all the way down your choice of activity or hobby - whatever makes you happiest!

When we are relaxed there is more space between ourselves and what may have caused anxiety. There are many meditations and visualisations that you can find online. But even just taking 5 minutes out a few times a day and sitting quietly can be beneficial. 

When you wake from 7-9 hours of restorative sleep you are well equipped to face the day, stress-free! If you haven’t slept well, you are running on empty from the get-go. Feeling tired can cause us to make mistakes which can lead to stress. Plus, if you aren’t sleeping well you may then spend the day stressed that you won’t sleep well again tonight.  

We often put things off to the last minute and then have the stress of trying to squeeze too much into too little time. Knowing that a deadline is coming up can cause stress. But instead of fretting about it, sit down and plan your work and time so that the deadline can be met easily and stress free. Once that deadline is met, if we have left it to the last minute we then often get stressed that we didn’t do our best and that the work wasn’t up to standard. 

A great way to deal with stress is to do some exercise. When you are stressed, cortisol levels are high. Your body is in the fight/flight state and instinctively is ready to run. So, doing exercise uses up this excess energy produced by the stress response. In addition, exercise produces endorphins which make us feel good too. 

I know it sounds like a cliché but remember to take time out for some self-care. Treating yourself well is a good way to cope with stress and stay healthy and happy. If you have good emotional reserves then stressful moments become more manageable. Do things that make your heart sing. Think about what you enjoy.