1. MEDITATE
Daily meditation can help manage anxiety, blood pressure and stress. But if you're not someone who sits and regularly reflects, you can still grab 15 minutes and find your Zen, even as a novice. Find a quiet location where you won't be disturbed, sit cross-legged on the floor or in a chair with your feet on the ground, and your hands comfortably placed in your lap. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing and try to clear your mind. This can be harder than it sounds, so if intrusive thoughts are bothering you, stick at it, relax and concentrate on your breathing. Gaia House (gaiahouse.co.uk) in Newton Abbot offers Meditation Days and even Silent Retreats (if things get really tough!)
2. STRIKE A POSE
If you're a yogi, you'll know the benefits of stretching. Child's Pose, Cat Pose, Forward Bend, Legs Up the Wall and Corpse Pose are all simple stretches that can ease tension and relieve stress. Legs Up The Wall pose is also thought to slow the ageing process - if that's not a deal breaker, we don't know what is! The Devon School of Yoga (devonyoga.com) offers courses and workshops for longer sessions, while Cornwall Yoga Centre (cornwallyogacentre.org) offers classes and workshops in the heart of Truro.
3. MAKE SCENTS
Peel an orange, slice a lemon, slather yourself in coconut oil, or cut some lavender and rosemary from the garden. This may sound like a strange combination but sniffing your favourite scent can do wonders for your mood.
4. IT'S GOOD TO TALK
H2b, mum or maids: when it comes to dealing with what feels like imminent disaster, it's always better to share the load, because talking to someone else can give you perspective. So arrange that catch-up, pronto!
5. MOVIE MAGIC
Laughing decreases stress and triggers the release of endorphins - chemicals in your body which help you feel good. So grab a DVD and unwind to your favourite comedian, a silly road trip movie or a romantic romcom (Bridesmaids, anyone?).
6. TUCK IN
Foods that help boost serotonin (the feel-good chemical) include eggs, salmon, nuts and seeds, and turkey. And foods high in B-vitamins - like wholegrain bread - help to maintain serotonin levels. So make yourself a salmon or turkey sandwich and know you're feeding your body a healthy, happy lunch.
7. STRESS = SUCCESS
Feeling anxious? Channel any excess adrenaline and pump it into your workout with a session in the gym or a run in the great outdoors. Or grab a friend and play a racquet sport like squash or tennis. You'll feel and look great afterwards - and bonus points if you win!
8. FLY ME TO THE MOON
Sweating over your seating plan? Spend time planning your honeymoon instead - just poring over pictures online or booking some unique experiences for you both will help to divert your mind from worrysome wedmin to more tranquil thoughts of swaying palms and crystal-clear oceans. If you're planning a staycation, Canopy and Stars (canopyandstars.co.uk) have a wonderful selection of unique, luxe properties in Devon, Cornwall and around the UK for serious glamping style.
9. BODY AND SOLE
Book a massage. Reflexology is often credited as releasing a deep sense of relaxation and calm. Or book a full body massage for ultimate all-over muscle-relaxing properties. My Personal Sanctuary (mypersonalsanctuary.co.uk) send beauty therapists right to the door of a selection of gorgeous holiday homes across Devon and Cornwall, or a location of your choice. Now there's no excuse not to book that night away.
10. MAKE TIME FOR MUSIC
Dancing around the room to your favourite tunes is a brilliant mood lifter. Stepping back in time and plugging into something from a time when you were relaxed, like a recent holiday, can help recreate carefree feelings.
11. BATH AND BED
Nothing helps us relax and sleep like a baby like a long hot soak and flopping into freshly laundered sheets. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the bath and a spritz of your favourite scent on your pillow and wait for the Zzzzs to take over.
12. LIGHTS OUT!
Close the curtains, shut the door, turn off all the lights and unplug any electricals to ensure an undisturbed night's sleep. Some research even suggests sleeping in the pitch black can help the metabolism work properly - grab that eye mask!
words Elizabeth Chester
Copyright Wed magazine 2016
