10 ways to de-stress

Destressing is something I have a lot of experience with. Haven't we all? It's very personal and unique to the individual and we each of us have ways to destress that help us. The following suggestions may be helpful to you:

1. Yoga - many youtube videos are available and easy to do. Just go for easy to do poses and if you have any back, knee, hip or neck issues go carefully and slowly.

2. Meditation - this can be sitting in nature and just enjoying it or it can be listening to a recording. Whatever your choice if it works for you then it works.

3. Walking - again in nature this can decompress us. The colour green has been proven to destress us and calm us. So walking amongst greenery and grass is beneficial.

4. Taking up a hobby - Something that you enjoy and occupies your mind with contentment as opposed to stress.

5. Socialising - sometimes just laughing with friends is enough to lift a load off your shoulders.

6. Reading - books are a wonderful way to destress. Reading something uplifting such as self help books or reading fiction can help you to escape for a few hours.

7. Journalling - this helps to get out of your head all the thoughts that cause you stress and puts them into a medium where you can reread it objectively to find out how you are processing your stress. I find this very helpful.

8. Gardening - for similar reasons as mentioned earlier.

9. Swimming - water can be soothing and in a sensorial way be comforting. Even going to where they have floatation tanks can be beneficial. Water helps us to feel sensual and in touch with a feeling of calm and protection.

10. Talking to someone - and that could be a friend or family member and it also could mean a counsellor like myself. Whichever you choose it is a wonderful way to feel witnessed and understood.

All in all Stress Management can be what ever floats your boat. Find a way and just do it. Don't waste time on self consciousness. You can do this. All the best.