We’ve teamed up with Nelson’s RESCUE to bring you some calming tips.
Here at StyleNest we know how tricky it is to get time to stop and have a breather. A recent survey by RESCUE confirms this, discovering during a busy day 34% of people rarely stop to take a moment to help comfort themselves and gather their thoughts. While 42% wish they were more composed during a busy day.
With the pressures of our modern, fast-paced lifestyles, people often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. Experts in calming techniques, RESCUE have Neil Shah from the Stress Management Society and Nutritionist Sally Wisbey to hand to help you feel calm and collected.
Neil Shah lets us in on his de-stress secrets…
Take time out
Taking mini breaks when you feel overwhelmed to enable you to remove yourself from the situation. Going outside for some fresh air, if possible, would be ideal as oxygen will help regain clarity and concentration.
Breathe
Another way of getting blood and oxygen moving around the body and up to the brain is by practicing a simple breathing technique:
- Stand up straight in a comfortable position with your feet hip distance apart.
- Before starting the breathing have a look around the room; focus on the colour, sound, energy and how you feel.
- Inhale through the nose and raise arms out sideways. The diaphragm descends and belly pumps out as you do.
- Exhale through the mouth and bend arms in to ribs. We will be repeating this 30 times. 10 x slow, 10 x medium and 10 x fast.
- Take time to look around the room again. What changes do you notice?
Concentrate on Head Movement
Although workloads and demands are increasing, the majority of people lead sedentary lifestyles making the blood flow sluggish. Try above head movement such as simply raising your arms up above your head for 10 seconds to improve blood flow to the brain and in turn concentration.
What you eat and drink can also have a big impact on your mind and body so it’s important to be mindful about your diet and ensure you are eating the right foods. Nutritionist Sally Wisbey has these tips to help keep you feeling calm and relaxed:
- Avoid processed and fast foods, fizzy drinks, caffeine and foods containing gluten, dairy and sugar as they strain the body.
- Eat slowly and take time to enjoy your food! Many of us lead such busy lifestyles we eat on the go, walking, standing up or at our desks which can all put pressure on the digestive system. Take time out to sit down, away from work and be mindful about what you are eating, chewing your food thoroughly.
- Instead of reaching for that sugary snack when you’re busy, stick the kettle on and make a cup of chamomile tea, know to have a calming effect.
- It’s hard to believe that some chocolate is actually good for us! Rich in magnesium, dark chocolate helps relax the nervous system and make us feel calm. Snack on 1-2 squares of dark chocolate during the afternoon.
- Take a moment out and pop a soothing RESCUE Pastille into your mouth. RESCUE Pastilles provide a moment of calm and contain a combination of five Bach™ Original Flower Essences – Star of Bethlehem, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Cherry Plum. The pleasant-tasting Pastilles come in Elderflower & Orange or Blackcurrant flavours in a handy click-shut tin. Please note the Pastilles are not suitable for vegans.
RESCUE Pastilles cost £5.90 from Boots, independent pharmacies and health food stores as well as grocery stores nationwide.