We all feel stressed and anxious from time to time, and a little stress can even be healthy. However when that stress and anxiety starts to impact on our day to day lives it becomes a cause for concern.
Fortunately there are ways in which we can manage these feelings.
Just introducing small changes into our lives can have a huge positive impact on our mental health.
Here I have listed 8 ways that you can bring a little mindfulness into your life.
1.
GET ACTIVE
Not only is exercise good for our physical health and fitness, but it also releases endorphins and serotonin which improve our mood.
With regular exercise we can reduce stress and symptoms of anxiety.
Try adding 30 minutes of exercise in to your daily routine.
2.
MEDITATE
As well as allowing ourselves those moments of calm and little bit of 'me time', meditation has many benefits.
It reduces stress, helps control feelings of anxiety, enhances self-awareness, improves emotional health, improves sleep and decreases blood pressure.
Start by setting a 3 minute timer next time you put the kettle on or during an advert break. Turn off all mobile devices and distractions, sit quietly and breathe. Slowly inhale for 3 counts and exhale for 3 counts. Think only of your breath. See if you can do this at least once a day, maybe just before you lay down to sleep.
3.
ONE THING AT A TIME
Many of us have very busy lives and find our minds are swimming with thoughts and problems and things we need to do. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed and this can trigger those patterns of stress.
As much as we'd love to admit being great multi-taskers the truth is it is far easier to solve one problem at a time.
Next time you feel like life is getting on top of you, stop. Take a breath. Maybe write a list of those jobs or problems and prioritise them, working your way through one at a time.
4.
KEEP SCREEN TIME IN CHECK
We spend a lot of time on our phones, computers or watching TV and this overloads our brains with information. Not only that but the blue light from screens negatively impacts our sleep which has an overall effect on our mental health.
Try limiting the time you spend on social media, setting boundaries on when you have access to this. Turn those mobile devices off before bedtime to limit the blue light exposure.
5.
SLOW DOWN
We can rush through our days without ever really experiencing life.
Try slowing down every now and then and savoring the moments. By giving each action deliberate and thoughtful attention we calm the mind, improve focus and prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Next time you drink a cup of tea or coffee, really take the time to notice it and enjoy it. Or hanging up your clothes, sweeping the floor, making dinner or just brushing your teeth. Think about the action and the process and allow yourself to experience it.
6.
BE IN NATURE
Being outdoors in the fresh air and around nature is so important, I can't tell you that enough.
It is good for body, mind and soul. Spending time outside is great for our health and immune systems. It also helps us to be present. Gives us the opportunity to breathe. Let's us feel a part of the earth. Grounds us. Motivates us. Stills us.
Sit in the garden, go for a walk in the park, exercise outside, explore the woods, take a trip to the beach, or relax beneath a tree. Whatever you do, go and do it outside when you can.
7.
BALANCE YOUR DIET
Keeping our diet in check not only effects our physical well-being, but it can also effect how we feel.
By making sure we are eating nutritious and healthy foods we can improve our energy levels, our mood and our mental clarity and concentration.
A good place to start is looking at what we drink by limiting our intake of sugars, caffeine and alcohol and increasing our intake of water.
8.
DO WHAT MAKES YOUR SOUL SHINE
At the end of the day life is here to be enjoyed. Whatever it is that makes you happy and gives you those moments of joy - do that. Make time for yourself and the things you enjoy.
Whether that's chatting with friends, reading a book, cooking, running, listening to music, find time to fit this in to your day. If you haven't found that thing yet or you want to discover something new, it is never too late to try a new hobby.
I challenge you to try something new. And if you don't like it, at least you got to have that experience it, and every new experience is food for the soul.
Take care of yourselves X