The secret to beating stress
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Get back to nature with relaxing walks, the countryside and listening to birdsong Eat healthy food and cut back on caffeine Take some exercise Get at least seven hours’ sleep every night Practise meditation and mindfulness techniques
A TIMELY study has revealed tested ways to keep stress at bay with walking in parks, seeing plants, being by water and breathing techniques all recommended.
Good food, cutting caffeine, mindfulness, including meditating, and starting new hobbies are also tipped to soothe.
Professor Andrea Mechelli, a neuroscientist at King’s College London, said: “Research shows that being in contact with nature and seeing trees and birds impacts our physiology and mental health.
“Walking by a canal, being by the sea, looking at a lake, all of this can have a beneficial impact.”
The study features in Channel 4 series How To Beat... Stress.
Presenter Kate Quilton says it comes at a crucial time with the coronavirus pandemic driving up our stress levels.
The show tests calming measures on strung-out volunteers.
One of them, midwife Ann, saw her anxiety levels fall 100 per cent simply by exercising more and listening to birdsong. Others on the programme saw their angst cut by up to 70 per cent with changes.
Figures show 59 per cent of people experience workplace stress, yet office plants can reduce it by as much as 40 per cent.
Lego is doing its bit for workers and encourages everything from dodgeball to gaming. Employees can even power nap for an hour.
The company’s Sudhir Saseedharan said: “We have a very relaxed way of working in all our offices. It’s about wellbeing and space for mindfulness. It’s working with the talent we attract. The number who want to work here is incredible.”
Presenter Kate also made stress-busting changes – including playing the flute. The mum of a twoyear-old said: “I’m looking to join a band or orchestra. When I dusted my flute off, it switched off so much stress.
“Exercise for me is a big one – if I don’t exercise I feel a massive dip in wellbeing.”
Kate said sleep was crucial with all the fear over coronavirus.
She added: “If you are stressed about anything make sure you are getting enough sleep, it’s good for mental health and wellbeing.” ● How To Beat...stress is on Channel 4 on
Thursday at 8pm.