Rest & Restore

It’s the most stressful – sorry, wonderful – time of the year. So now more than ever, it’s important to take time out to relax and rejuvenate. Luckily, there’s a whole host of new ways to do just that...

- Jane Murphy

STRETCH AWAY STRESS

There’s good reason yogis always look so chilled. Did you know that yoga backbend poses help relieve anxiety and stress? Deepening your breath and stretching your spine, backbends bring you into a new state of calm and are said to open your heart and mind to new possibilities. Struggle to hold that pose? Stretch out with the support of this super cool, dual-sided Design Lab Infinity Yoga Ball (pictured, $27; designlab.com). Perfect for your living space, you can also use it for a quick workout at your desk – who said abs can’t be made in the office?

AND BREATHE...

Feeling overwhelmed, super-stressed or sleep-deprived? (Of course you are – it’s nearly Christmas!) Don’t panic – we’ve found a quick fix to help calm you. Breathwork coach Stuart Sandeman (breathpod.me) suggests a simple breathing exercise you can do anywhere.

‘The 4-7-8 breath is a powerful anxiety buster,’ he explains. ‘It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, so we move from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest mode. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Inhale through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath while you count to seven. Exhale through pursed lips for a count of eight. Repeat for four rounds. This is a game-changer for helping you get to sleep, too.’

TRY SOME ASMR THERAPY