7 Ways to… stress less

1 Eat right

Skipping meals, craving sugary foods and refined carbohydrates is common when we’re stressed. This can send our blood glucose on a rollercoaster of peaks and troughs, making us more stressed. Instead, try eating regular meals, containing complex carbs and good protein – it’s one of the best things you can do during stressful periods.

2 Avoid too much

If you’re feeling like you need to rest, simply say no to some invitations, ditch those last few niggling jobs and stop when you feel you’ve done enough. Likewise, if certain people or places make you feel harassed, opt instead to be around those who make you happy.

3 Exercise

Over-exercising in times of high stress can do more harm than good, as it’s yet another strain on the body. Instead, try gentle exercise like walking, jogging and swimming during stressful times.

4 Switch off

It’s important to set aside 10 minutes each day to breathe deeply and focus on quietening the mind. Try going for a walk in your lunch break or downloading an app which offers short guided mindfulness meditations.

5 Vital vitamins

When our bodies are stressed, we have an increased need for certain nutrients, including the B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. Eating a rainbow of brightly coloured fruit and veg is the best way to get this into your diet. Try to have one or two portions of leafy green veg every day.

6 Unwind naturally

Stress can leave us feeling exhausted and needing to unwind. However, reaching for stimulants like alcohol is a bad idea. It can affect our mood by interfering with our neurotransmitters and reducing absorption of important nutrients.

7 Sleep well

When we’ve had a good night’s sleep, we have improved memory and concentration and we’re better able to make decisions. Ideally phone, computer and TV screens should be avoided for at least an hour before bed. Try getting into a regular bedtime routine with some relax time, like reading a book or taking a bath.