BY CAITYLIS ZEALAND
We all get stressed. We can’t deny it. Little (or very big) things dig at us in our everyday lives. Finding ways to mange these stresses changes from person to person, situation to situation. We decided we would write our own little de-stress list for you all to relish in. Whether it’s lockdown, home schooling, moving house.. whatever your circumstances, we hope you’ll find something here to help.
Write a To-do List in the Evening
If you’re wanting to make sure tomorrow goes smoothly you need to write yourself a to-do list. Everything that needs to get done needs to be written down for you to tackle. Big or small anything can go on this list, and it will truly help you relax before bed, knowing that tomorrow is all prepared for. I like to number my points, it doesn’t have to be in order, but I find just numbering them in order of importance will help you break down the day without your head spinning 360 trying to do a thousand things at once. Breaking it all down really helps structure your day and make you feel better all round.
Breathe Deeply
Something so simple. We all do it, every second of every day. But do we ever actually put any effort into it? I certainly don’t, and I really should. Just take 5 minutes either in the morning or evening to sit and breathe. In and out, deeply, and let your whole body go with it. I prefer doing this whilst I’m waiting to fall asleep. Therefore I’m not distracted by anything and I can really expand my lungs. I have also found this has helped me drift off to sleep massively.
Use your Favourite Skincare
I find this really helps me finish or start the day. A good old deep wash off the face (please wash your face every day though). If I’m feeling a little stressed I just use my favourite toner, cleanser and moisturiser (usually I only use cleanser daily). After I’ve done the whole shabang I almost feel like a new refreshed version of me. Everything in my head feels clear and I’m just ready for anything.
Light your Favourite Candles
All day every day. I have candles burning all over the place. Finding a scent that really helps to relax you is important. Try not to go for anything too sweet as this tends to ‘up’ your heart rate (causing stress) rather than subtle soothing scents like lavender, camomile and sandalwood (the makings of my favourites). Walking into a room and being uplifted by a scent that feels like it relaxes every bone in your body is worth every penny. My go-to candle/diffuser brand is Wax Lyrical, simply because they never fail to deliver. Even with their cheaper ranges they fill rooms up with delight. I am in love with their Lakes Collection, anything that smells natural is my calling. I’ve tried their Lakes, Woodland and Hillside scents and they’re all beautiful. Hillside is certainly a favourite though (pictured below).
Take a Walk
One of my favourite things to do when my mind is spinning. I’ll get Theodore all tucked up in his pram and take a stroll around. This is especially nice during the autumn season. With crips coloured leaves on the ground and all warm with scarves, coats and boots. I certainly don’t enjoy walking during the Summer months. Being too hot will increase your stress levels even more so.
Keep Yourself away from Drama
Whether it be your friends or family, keep drama for the TV set only. Try not to involve yourself with happenings that don’t include you. Since having Theodore I’ve been practicing this well. I simply do not have the time or energy to be getting myself all hyped up or angry at what is going on in other peoples lives. Some many see this as selfish or self centred but I have found it to be a very important key when trying to keep life happy and stress free.
De-Clutter your Space
I know that when the house feels busy, messy and just out of sorts that this takes a big effect on me. Right now I know that upstairs the bed isn’t made, and there is washing to be put away. Even though I push this to the back of my mind for something to do ‘later’, every so often it just crops up and digs at me. I find keeping the place sorted, and completing tasks as you go helps so much better in the long run. I keeps your mind clear and means you might actually be able to sit and do nothing for ten minutes.
What do you do to de-stress? We know it is easier said than done at the minute but it really is so important to incorporate some you-time into your day.
YOU CAN FIND CAITYLIS ON:
INSTAGRAM: @CAITYLIS
BLOG: CAITYLIS.CO.UK
Sumedha
Decluttering and making to-do lists are my go-to actually! Also writing brain dumps to dump all the miscellaneous tasks and notes in my head, and journalling 😊
Sumedha | the wordy habitat
Charlotte Birchall
Love this suggestions. My favourites are lighting a candle and writing my to-do list the night before. Thank you for the other suggestions.
goalofhappiness.com
Jenny in Neverland
Love all these ideas and I pretty much do all of them! My solo walks REALLY help and I always write my to-do list in the evening for the following day 🙂
Aaliyah
These are all really great tips! I always feel better once I’ve written down what I need to do for the week and it really helps to destress me! X
Antonia
Such amazing ideas to help destress. I’ve been definitely feeling stress impacting my life. I’ll definitely try some of the things you mentioned.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Castlesandturrets
These are all great suggestions! Going for a walk is the best thing for me I’ve found, it can really help clear my head and going out (particularly when the sun is shining) can be just so peaceful and rejuvenating. I’m going to start doing a to-do list though, I hadn’t thought of that before – thanks for sharing 😀
Della Driscoll
So many great tips here! I completely agree about the drama point, decluttering and breathing – just taking 5 minutes to slow down and breathe slowly, really does wonders x
Claire Lomax
These are great ideas. Now I am back in the office full time, I am trying to be much more productive and it seems to be helping my stress levels too.
20 minutes before I leave I go through my to – do list and check off what is done. I then create a new one for the next day and I feel so much better for it. I know exactly what I am going to start on the next day. I have also been out walking in the evening straight from work and it is perfect to end the day.
These ideas will definitely reduce a persons stress levels x x
Rosie Ireland
Thank you for sharing this post. I have found my stress levels have been creeping up over the last week or so and I can’t unpick why! Fresh air and a long, hot shower where I can process it all is my go to. I also like to go for a run to clear my mind!
Rosie
Stephanie
These are fantastic suggestions. I especially appreciate the tip to breathe deeply. I utilize guided meditations with the Headspace app (I’ve been using it for close to 8 years and it is truly a lifesaver) and I’ll put on a 3 or 5 minute one midday just to take those deep breaths and find a sense of serenity in the middle of my work!
Jenny
I basically do all of these and find my stress levels are pretty good most of the time!
Caroline
I love to wear my favourite perfume if I’m having a bad day/anxious about something that day. These are really great tips, I agree with all 🙂 xx
Cristina Rosano
These are all great tips! Making to-do-lists and having a candle on really help so much with stress! I noticed lately that breathing really helps too as well writing, thanks for sharing x
Emma
Some amazing tips! My favourites are going for a long stroll in the forest or by the sea and also lighting candles in the evening, something therapeutic about candles.
Emma | http://www.lifeofemmax.co.uk
Elle
Candles definitely help me a lot but i have to work on not letting tv drama creep into my space. These are all great tips!
BR
Love this suggestions 🧡
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com
Jaya Avendel
I have friends who are deeply into candles in all scents and shapes, and my sister loves her walks. What does it for me, though, no matter my struggles or thoughts, is decluttering. I find it so relaxing and rewarding. 🙂
Thanks for sharing some diverse suggestions!
Headphonesthoughts
Taking a Seth breath really helps so much. Also just stepping away from the phone, Tv, and laptop and just cleaning up the area around you can help so much.