Techniques to help stay calm

We all face challenges and adversity in life but for many of us, the past few months more so than ever. Finding new ways to help us stay calm and clearheaded can be challenging with everything else going on around us, so our expert Beauty Therapists have shared a few tips and techniques on staying cool, calm and collected.

Take a deep breath

It can be done anywhere and at anytime, and mindful, deep breathing is easily one of most effective techniques for reducing anger and anxiety quickly. Increasing the flow of oxygen into your body helps release physical tension, helps refocus your mind and gain control.

It’s okay to not be okay

Sometimes, not being truthful with how we feel can exasperate feelings of stress and anxiety. Allow yourself to admit that you’re anxious, and begin to look at ways in which you can help reduce those feelings – exercise is a great place to start.

Scribble it down

Keep a notepad by the side of your bed and use this to offload any thoughts or worries you have, especially before you go to sleep. It could be tomorrow’s to-do-list, a reminder of happy memories from your day, or more troubling worries which have been unsettling you as of late. Some of the roots of anxiety may be minimised through stream of consciousness, such as writing.

Fresh air 

A change of scenery can do wonders for clearing the mind, and may help interrupt any niggling thoughts. Head outside, even if it’s just for a couples of minutes, to help you de-stress and unwind. By being outside, you’ll also give yourself a dose of vitamin D which can can assist in supporting a healthy immune system.

Listen to music     

Grab some headphones and listen to your favourite music. Listening to music can have a very calming effect on your body and mind.

Release any tension in your body

If your body is tense, there’s a good chance your posture will suffer. Sit up tall, take a deep breath, and drop your shoulders. To do this, you can focus on bringing your shoulder blades together and then down. This pulls your shoulders down. Take a few deep breaths. You can do this several times a day.

Enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy

It takes just a minute to drip some lavender, frankincense, or other essential oils into a diffuser. The soothing scents may help send stress and anxiety away.

Pick up the phone 

Sometimes, talking with a close friend or loved one can help lift the mood. Or, why not take the opportunity to call that one friend you’ve been meaning to get back in touch with? Talking and sharing experiences with one another helps remind us that our troubles are not all that different and although we might not all be in the same boat, but we’re all in the same storm.

Laugh!

Nothing helps lift your spirits quite as well as laughter. Well, they do say laughter is the best medicine! Pop on a TV show that’s guaranteed to make you laugh.

Say the alphabet backwards

Saying the alphabet in reverse temporarily shifts your focus from worrying. It’s fine to play tricks on yourself once in a while. It’s a nice way to cognitively distract yourself and give you the space to breath if only for a moment.