If you’re anything like the majority of us, we tend to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 6 things you can do to ease your stress. Print out this list and put it up somewhere to remind you to take care of yourself.

1. Practice relaxation techniques 
Whether that be meditating, deep breathing, tai-chi, or just taking fifteen minutes a day to lay down and close your eyes.

2. Figure out what makes you lose track of time
We all have that one hobby or activity that makes us lose track of time. It would be so easy for us to say that everyone should try baking or painting, but for someone who can’t cook or paint, this could be a very frustrating task! Figure out what it is that you love doing so much that time flies by – it could be reading a book, watching a new movie, writing, knitting, gardening, you name it!

3. Exercise regularly
Choose a non-competitive exercise and set your personal goals. If you still work from home, that could be just getting out on your lunch break and walking around the block a few times. Or it could be hiking with friends. Whatever that may be, there is a level for everybody.

4. Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself
Our biggest critic is most often ourselves. You wouldn’t stare at somebody else’s body analysing every bump and curve, and nobody is doing it back to you – so give yourself a break! Eat well, set realistic goals, and stop comparing yourself to everybody else!

5. Talk about your problems
A problem shared, is a problem halved. Phone a friend who will listen and help you solve any issues going on in your life. Just make sure you lend an ear in return. If you feel that you don’t want to bother your friends’ or don’t feel comfortable sharing what’s going on, try speaking to a health professional.

6. Consume a healthy diet 
A healthy and happy life starts in the kitchen. Eating a healthy and clean diet can result in confidence and general wellbeing. And according to Healthline.com, there are several herbs and other substances that support a healthy stress response and alleviate symptoms of mild anxiety, including green tea and  omega-3 fatty acids. If you are looking for a supplement, Modere Stress health might also help. It contains St John’s wort and hydrolysed milk protein which are used to support a healthy stress response and reduce symptoms of mild anxiety.*

*Stress Health, 90 tablets, contains: Hydrolysed milk protein, St John’s wort, valerian, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Adults only. Contains lactose. Derived from cow’s milk. St John’s Wort affects the way many prescription medicines work, including the oral contraceptive pill. Consult your doctor. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

References:
Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety#2.-Consider-supplements

Helplines:

Mental Health Foundation Australia Tel. National Mental Health Helpline 1300 MHF AUS (643 287)

Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14