Relaxation is important to help you cope with stress and anxiety. Here are some tips and ideas to help you relax:

• Take a break: Stepping away from something stressful for a few minutes or taking time away from your normal routines and thoughts can give you enough space and distance to feel calmer. You can read a book or a magazine, even if its only for a few minutes. You can also run yourself a bath, watch a film, play with a pet or try out a new recipe.

• Try active relaxation: Relaxation doesnt have to mean sitting still. Gentle exercise can help you relax too. You can take a walk, going at your own pace, or look for a class youd like to try, such as yoga, Pilates or gentle stretching. Getting in touch with your artistic side can also help you feel more calm and relaxed. You can try painting, drawing, making crafts, playing a musical instrument, dancing, baking, etc. .

• Focus on your breathing: Breathing exercises are one of the simplest relaxation strategies, and can effectively calm your stressed-out body and mind anywhere at any time. Sit or lay down in a quiet and safe place such as on your bed or the floor in your home and put one of your hands on your belly. Breathe in to a slow count of three, and then breathe out to the same slow count of three. Feel your belly rise and fall as you breathe in and out. Repeat five times, or as long as you need to feel relaxed.

• Listen to music: Experts have found that music can have an instant calming effect on our mind and body. According to a 2017 study, “a minimum of 20 min of music listening” can lower stress levels remarkably. Another 2015 study found that listening to music is highly effective in reducing stress.

• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. You can practice mindfulness by sitting quietly and focusing on your breath, or by doing a body scan where you focus on each part of your body and how it feels.

• Get out into nature: Spending time outdoors can help calm your mind. Take a walk around the block, head to a local park, or go hiking on a new trail. Listen to the sounds of the wildlife and take in the beauty that’s all around you.

• Take a warm bath: A hot soak in the company of bath bombs and candles might sound perfect. All you need is five minutes of alone time to get you a wee bit closer to calm.

Remember, relaxation might not make what you are stressed or worried about go away, but it can give you a mental break from these feelings and help you refocus. Dont worry if some ideas dont work for you. Just try the ones that do.