relaxation techniques

Stress has a huge impact on your physical and mental health. Taking the time out to relax and unwind can help reduce the build up of tension and increase your ability to cope with stress.

Here are some ideas to help decrease you stress levels and improve your wellbeing...

Hand and leg shakes

This is an excellent tension-busting excercise; shake your hands and arms for one minute and then your legs and feet. When you stop shaking them, your muscles should feel completely soft and relaxed.

Shoulder and neck relaxer

We often carry tension in our shoulders and neck. With your arms by your sides, imagine you are carrying a heavy weight in each hand so that your shoulders are pulled towards the floor. Hold for 5 seconds. Now imagine dropping the weights to the floor and feeling the tension release. Repeat this sequence 5 times.

Reward yourself

Make a list of 5 simple activites that help you relax. You might note things down such as a walk in the park, a call to your best friend, reading a magazine, listening to music and going for a swim. Promise yourself to do one of these things every day - they will soon become an integral part of your life.

Assess you stress!

If you feel like you're under a lot of pressure, take a step back and think about what is putting so much pressure on you - is it really that important? Is there anything you could put off for a while and sort out later? Remember that your happiness is the most important thing.

Eat healthily

Eat more fruit and veg and less processed or fast food. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help you cope with lifes ups and downs.  

Get enough sleep

Being tired can put you in bad mood, and reduces your ability to cope with life's ups and downs. Make an effort to be in bed at a reasonable time (at least before midnight!) and try to establish a regular sleeping pattern.

Excercise!

Being active is a great way to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Try something you haven't done before, like skating, wall climbing or going to a dance class with a friend.  

Excercise includes walking. Try getting off the bus or tube a stop early and walking the rest of the way, you'll soon notice the benefits.

Download a factsheet for more information on relaxation techniques.

Download a factsheet for more information on coping with stress.