10 simple ways to EASE STRESS AND ANXIETY

Feeling the strain? Try these wellbeing-boosting tips - the bonus is they won't cost you a penny!

Over the last couple of years, we’ve crashed from crisis to crisis. And now, as we’re tightening our belts and worrying about the future, looking after our physical and mental health has never been so important. Research shows that mounting stress and anxiety can lead to headaches, digestion problems, reduced immunity, and fatigue. ‘Bottling up your feelings isn’t beneficial long term,’ agrees Healthspan psychologist Dr. Meg Arroll. Ready to worry less? These free and easy ideas will help you to de-stress.

1 Have a spring clean

Getting your house in order has proven benefits for the mind! Clutter causes tension and scientists at the University of California discovered that blasting mess reduces anxiety. The act of cleaning has also been found to be calming because it acts as a form of meditation which in turn helps you to block out negative thoughts.

2 Turn up the radio

Listen to upbeat music for a surge of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, and sing along to your favorite tunes to dissolve stress. 'Music triggers a reaction in the brain,' explains music neuroscientist Dr. Julia Jones. 'It also activates the lungs, either through singing or breathing in time to the music, which helps our bodies switch from the sympathetic nervous system - which is our adrenaline and fight-or-flight response to the parasympathetic one of calm and rest.'

3 De-stress your diet

What you eat has a big impact on your state of mind, says nutritional therapist Nicola Shubrook. She suggests raiding your cupboards for these feel-good foods.

* EGGS

Contain important amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that can promote calm and boost your mood.