Feeling stressed? Doing too much? Don’t worry, you and pretty much the rest of the world in the Western Hemisphere is feeling the same. When did life become so busy..? Does life have to be so busy?

Here are 5 simple ways to help relax your mind and your body:

1) Take a few slow deep breaths.

Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth letting the outbreath lengthen. Bring your full attention to all the sensations of each inhalation and exhalation. Repeat this 5 to 10 times.

How you breathe immediately effects your nervous system and your body. Bringing your awareness to your breathing allows your mind to slow down.

2) Cut down or avoid sugar, caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants

These substances can taste great. They can give us an immediate energy boost and mood uplift. In excess, in general and in the long term though, they don’t balance or nourish our bodies nor our nervous system. If your immune system is already compromised due to overwork, stress or worry, these stimulants will tend to put more pressure on your adrenal glands and digestive system.

Try to eat wholefoods that are unprocessed. ie. vegetables, wholegrains, good virgin pressed oils, organic eggs/ meat/ fish/ pulses.

3) Go out into nature

Whether it is 10 minutes or half a day, spend some time in nature. If the nearest to nature for you is simply taking a walk around the block, do that. Fresh air, a change in surroundings and the tranquility of nature can help bring a sense of peace and relaxation.

4) Have a bath or a hot shower

The heat from the water will immediately relax the tension in your body especially in the neck, head or shoulders. As you wash, immerse yourself completely to feeling the sensations of hot water on your body.

5) Watch a funny movie or talk to a friend that makes you laugh.

Laughter is a great way to release tension and worries. When you laugh, you realise that the world and life itself are not meant to be taken too seriously. The mechanism of laughter ventilates the lungs and releases tension in the shoulders, neck and face. So be merry and have a giggle!