We all live busy lives, whether we're juggling tasks in the office or running around after children all day. No one likes to be stressed, but long term it can cause serious health problems so it's good to take some time out every day to relax. Even if you can only squeeze 15 minutes into your schedule, your body (and your mind) will thank you for it!
Here are our top 7 tips to relax and de-stress...
1. Eat Right
Your diet can have a massive impact on your overall health, and this includes your levels of stress. It's easy to snack on junk food throughout the day, especially when you're busy and don't have the time to cook, but it could be making you more stressed than you realize.
The best way to eat right is to avoid having unhealthy food around you in the first place - when you're food shopping, stock up on healthy treats like fruit, nuts and seeds and slip some into your handbag in the morning. Then when temptation sets in you have something right there to eat!
2. Sleep
It can be difficult to find enough time to sleep when you're busy working or getting the kids ready for bed and ready for school, but you should do everything you can to sleep 7 hours per night minimum, 8 if possible. Try to set a deadline when you'll be in bed each night, e.g. 11pm, and stick to it.
The great news is that you can catch up on sleep so if you get a little less than you need Sunday to Thursday, you can still have a lovely long lie-in on Saturday morning to revive and refresh your body! You'll feel so much more peaceful and relaxed when you wake up - and make sure to wake up naturally too, don't set an alarm!
Vanilla Pyjamas by Bedhead, £125
3. Indulge in Luxury Sleepwear
When sleep hours are rare, you want to be able to make the most of every single one, not be struggling to sleep due to scratchy, uncomfortable pyjamas! Treat yourself to some luxury, silk pyjamas or a soft chemise to sleep the night away in peace.
It's also a great idea to buy some gorgeous, luxury loungewear too so that you can spend those lazy Sunday mornings relaxing around the house without losing any style points!
4. Get a Massage
Nothing is more relaxing than a massage! If you've never had a professional massage, why not treat yourself this month and indulge in a de-stressing, calming massage?
Or for a cheaper way to relax, you could just buy some massage oils with relaxing essential oils such as lavender and chamomile and ask your partner for a massage!
5. Take a Break
Another great way to relax is to escape from your everyday, busy lifestyle every once in a while and take a nice, calming and relaxing break. It doesn't need to be an expensive, long holiday abroad, but a short weekend trip somewhere new or even just a one-day pass to your local spa will have you feeling stress-free in no time at all!
