Many of us these days are looking at our screens 24/7, and our brains are continually taking in so much information that we can sometimes get overwhelmed and overstimulated.
As someone who has experienced burnout before, everyone kept telling me to chill and stress less. Which for a person who is in this state, this is the last thing you want to hear. Especially when that tenth person who has their head tilted to the side and are like “It’s going to be ok, just breathe.” All you think at the moment is “funny that, you twat, I am breathing cause I am in a conversation with you.” Ok, you stress heads know precisely how the rest plays out. Cause we are human and all go through the same stuff.
So, from one former stress head to another. Here we go, here are my five top tips for chilling out and not end up on the couch binging Netflix while scrolling Facebook Marketplace for that next bargain.
As someone who loves the outdoors, my number one tip is to embrace what mother earth has given us and to go outside. Going out in nature is not only free but can be great for your mind.
Taking a walk in nature can decrease mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. It can also improve your mood. I don’t know how many times I have been cranky and gone for a walk and come back like a new person.
Getting outdoors doesn’t always mean going for a 5k jog. There are many ways we can enjoy the outdoors. Here is a quick list:
2. Drink a herbal tea
Those who know me, know I do love a little herbal tea. When I first moved to England, I must admit that I was laughed at for drinking hippy tea that was not black tea with milk. I used to drink a lot of black tea but was encouraged to switch over to herbal teas due to ongoing sinus infections and gut issues.
Herbal tea is a gift that keeps giving. Herbal tea is not only calming, but it is also great for your health. Personally, nothing beats a Dandelion tea when I’m feeling tense and want to make that feeling worse with a coffee. I also enjoy peppermint tea or chamomile before bed. It prepares me for good night sleep.
3. Take a bath
I know what you are thinking, “cliche answer” and I would respond with “Yes, Chandler, why not try it, you will love it.” Even better, you can also add a boat, and then it can be a boys bath.
Flying long haul, I discovered my body was out of whack. I felt sluggish and just wanted to feel refreshed. Other times, I would have a deadline at work and would want to get home and run a bath and read running magazines. I recently picked up a Florence & Myrtle Rose bath salts. These Australian bath salts contain Magnesium Chloride, Epsom Salts, Australian Sea Salt, Pink Clay, Pure Rose Geranium and Ylang Ylang Essential oil and Rose. Who needs an expensive spa day out, these salts are pretty up there. Why not light some candles, grab a book, listen to some chill-out tunes and chill the night away.
4. Prepare a dish, just for you.
Coming home from work and trying to prepare a meal can sometimes come with its challenges. The first challenge is making something fast cause I’m usually starving, and the second challenge is making it taste delicious. Most days I will buy a prepared meal kit just because I’m tired. You eat this meal, and it’s ok, most times you think, well it would taste better if I had made it myself and feel sluggish. Ok, by no means am I a chef but the most enjoyable meals are usually comfort, slow-cooked meals or hand-baked. Why not think of your favourite meal and create a space in your day to prepare it. This dish is your dish, so if you want to share, go for it, but this is about you today and taking the time to enjoy preparing your favourite comforting meal that hopefully makes your day. My go-to is a spag bol or a loaf of banana bread.
5. Meditation
A word often associated with stress. I was very sceptical and unsure of meditation. I thought that is weird at first, closing your eyes and hoping no one is looking at me while trying to switch off my brain. Meditation can be sitting still for ten minutes or so in the morning or turning on a yoga practice on Youtube. I love to start my mornings with a morning flow with Dune Folk or Yoga with Adrienne. Taking the time in the morning to prepare my mind for the day and be thankful for the day is a great way to set up your day for success.
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