Constant change can be tiring and even just the thought of change can be daunting and stressful. Manifesting in many ways from anxiety and disturbed sleep patterns, to stress, a lack of motivation and low concentration.

Research shows that by calming the nervous system, our resilience improves. Meaning if we take care of our well-being, we are better able to keep calm and stay focused, even when feeling overwhelmed or apprehensive about the future.

Here are some basic suggestions that are simple yet effective techniques that can help to lower stress and bring you back into balance:

1. Disconnect to reconnect: 

   There is an increasing body of evidence that social media can negatively affect sleep, energy levels, productivity and mental health. Take breaks from your smartphone, computer, and social media platforms. Turn off notifications and alerts and have digital detox days. Restrict bluetooth usage and put your phone on flight mode when you sleep. Get out into nature to reset, rejuvenate, detox and ground.

   There are so many benefits to walking and being outside in the fresh air. From regulating sleep patterns and mood, to reducing stress, boosting immune function, and inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes. Do it - and your body will thank you for it.

2. Use aromatherapy oils in your day-to-day life: 

   Essential oils work via the olfactory nerve and the limbic system and offer calming and energising effects that lift our mood and relax us. Add a few drops to your bath, or to an essential oil diffuser. Oils such as lavender, bergamot, frankincense, rose, neroli, wild orange, sandalwood, cedar wood, chamomile, ylang yang and lemongrass are all great choices. But there are so many to choose from, all with different therapeutic properties that help to relax body and mind.

3. Unwind with a relaxing bath:

   Treat yourself. Add magnesium salts and lavender essential oil to help relax and unwind. Light a candle. If this is something you enjoy – do it often.

4. Increase your vibration with sound:

   Listen to music that uplifts you, or listen to an inspiring speaker that you resonate with. Try out the popular app ‘Insight Timer’ which has thousands of free meditations and mindfulness practices to unwind with. At the same time, avoid toxic people, energy drainers and negative situations.

5. Journaling: 

   Writing down worries can help to release feelings of apprehension. This may seem obvious, but many people struggle to address what they’re feeling due to e.g. shame or embarrassment. You can burn the paper, in a safe manner for a full energetic release, or tear it up and throw it away.

6. Disengage from fear based news

   Take a break from the news which let’s be honest, most of the time is predominantly bad. Read uplifting, positive material that interests and inspires you. Keeping informed is well and good but try to disengage from the hyped up drama that is usually portrayed in mainstream media. Use your disecernment and if it doesn’t make you feel good - change the channel.

As life continues to test and challenge us, the regular practice of self care should be at the heart of our daily lives. As stress is an underlying factor in most health conditions, looking after ourselves first and foremost couldn’t be more important. Using tools to de-stress, relax and calm our minds and bodies should be considered an essential part of preventative healthcare - now more than ever before.

Along with the basics (eating a nutritious diet, hydrating, exercising, sleeping well and living a balanced life etc.), adopting nourishing self-care practices to support mind-body and spirt should form a regular part of our health and wellbeing regime.

Check out the published version of this article HERE in YOGA magazine - the number one yoga, health and fitness brand in the UK and USA

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About me: London naturopath, BodyTalk practitioner, herbalist, nutritionist, energy worker and intuitive, offering cutting edge science-based holistic health consultations and healing for mind, body and soul. Other natural therapies blending into treatments include: reiki, homeopathy, functional medicine, metaphysics, dietary advice, lifestyle coaching and various other naturopathic diagnostic techniques.

Merran Lusher, ND consults from her distance healthcare clinic offering private consultations, treatments and healing to clients in over twenty countries. She also consults across her established clinic at triyoga, Camden, North London. With fourteen years’ experience and eight years full time tertiary training, Merran has conducted over 10,000 clinical hours and draws upon a wealth of experience. Learn what people say about Merran here.