How to find your happy self
Staying on track often means staying upbeat, but what can you do when stress stops you seeing positive side of life?
So, you’ve had a difficult day – the car wouldn’t start, you forgot to pack the kids’ lunches, work was busy and now there’s nothing healthy to eat... And it would be all too easy to get a takeaway or finish that packet of biscuits.
But instead of giving in, be proactive about dealing with your stresses. Practise these tips regularly and happiness could soon become second nature.
Take a mindful 10 minutes out – go for a walk and focus on everything around you. How warm or cold is it? What noise do your feet make? Can you smell anything, such as flowers? Distracting yourself from your emotions could help you relax.
Run a bath with Epsom salts – the minerals can help soothe tight muscles and sore joints. Enjoy a relaxing soak for at least 15 minutes; put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door if you have to!
Take a few deep breaths – concentrating on your breathing can be an instant stress-buster. Focus on inhaling through the nose and out through the mouth. You can learn more mindfulness tricks by downloading the Headspace app.
Get creative – there’s a reason grown-up colouring-in books are so popular; they can be extremely calming and meditative. Knitting is also a great way to destress (and you could even save money on birthday presents. Scarf, anyone?).
Make a soothing playlist – listening to just three minutes of relaxing music can help induce a calm state of mind. So find somewhere quiet to sit down, pop your headphones in, and say goodbye to stress.