Control your breathing
‘Diaphragmatic breathing exercises (where you breathe deeply through your belly), will halt the stress response,’ says psychologist Dr Megan Arroll.
Try this simple 15-minute breathing exercise:
Lie down with your eyes closed and focus on your breathing.
Put one hand on your upper chest, and one on your tummy.
As you breathe in, allow your tummy to rise. As you breathe out, allow your tummy to flatten. There should be little or no movement in your chest.
Establish a regular rhythm for a few minutes before you slow down your ‘out’ breath, pausing slightly, before breathing in at the same rate as before. Continue this for several minutes.
When you’re ready to end, take a few deeper breaths in and open your eyes slowly, before gently sitting up.
Get herbal help
Try AvenaCalm (£10.50 for 50ml, from independent health food shops or avogel.co.uk). It contains an extract of Avena sativa, a herb used to relieve anxiety. ‘Long-term stress and anxiety can have a negative effect on the body,’ says herbalist Dr Chris Etheridge. ‘It’s important to lessen anxiety, whether through physical means or using herbal medicines for short-term relief.’
Cut back on coffee
Caffeine raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Try decaf, chicory coffee or ginger tea instead.
Munch on magnesium
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing