HOW TO BUST STRESS

While some people are currently working less hours, some are working more hours than ever before. While some are now working from home, others are struggling to find work. Psychologist Beth Howsley gives her tips on

Extended periods of stress can overwhelm our minds and bodies, which can lead to burnout. Here are my tips to avoid this.

1. Start the mornings off right

Start every morning with an intentional practice which sets aside time dedicated for you to connect with yourself and start the day in a positive way. Some people like to include a short meditation, some prefer to pray, others may like to give an offering for the day, for example burning an incense stick. Also useful in your morning routine:

Gratitude expression Gentle stretching/ yoga poses Mindfully enjoying a herbal beverage (try to be mindful of your caffeine intake as this can add to overworking your adrenals, resulting in placing more stress on the body).

Journal writing whether for developing greater self-awareness, to empty out your thoughts, or process our current experiences, journaling is highly effective to reduce stress.

2. Connect with nature

Getting into nature is an incredible practice to keep yourself balanced and relaxed. Taking intentional time outside of the home every day is a beneficial practice, ensuring you can breathe in clean air, connect with nature and move the body.

3. Get creative

Creative expression is important for wellbeing, but it is often unvalued. Creativity can help us connect back to our less inhibited, fun, playful self. It can help to create more balance in our lives. It can be as simple as playing your favourite board game.

4. Try some self care

In times of stress, it becomes even more important to prioritise sleep, exercise and diet. The moments you feel like you have no time for self-care are when it is most needed. No matter how small the step towards selfcare may seem to be, it can have an ongoing ripple effect on your emotional wellbeing. These can include getting into bed around the same time each night, spending five minutes meditating each morning, or three minutes dancing to your favourite music. Self-care activities can also include massage, soaking in an Epsom salts bath, or using an essential oil such as lavender to calm you.

5. Be mindful of where you spend time

Check how much time you’re on social media and watching news. You may want to keep up to date, however, spend time focusing on things which are important to you and that enhance your happiness and wellbeing.

6. Set boundaries

If you are now working from home due to COVID, it can be easy to blur the boundaries between work life and home life. Do your best to create a workspace which inspires you and allows you to focus. After work hours, engage in a daily ritual to help you shift out of your working mode and into your personal space. This could be showering, going for a walk, or playing music. In unfamiliar times, it can be easy to forget and not honour our boundaries. It’s important to regularly check in with yourself. Beth Howsley is a clinical psychologist from Lysn, a digital mental health company. For more stories like this, head to bodyandsoul.com.au.