FEELING STRESSED?

Walk it off

When endless to-do lists are making you stressed, take yourself outside for a mindful stroll. Concentrating on your breathing as you walk prevents you from rerunning the same problems in your head.

Start by inhaling for four steps, then exhaling for four steps. Repeat this for a couple of minutes.

Now work up, inhaling for five steps and exhaling to a soothing six to eight. Your to-do list shouldn’t intrude as you count steps – the brain isn’t good at doing two things at once. If stressful thoughts pop up and you miscount, start again. Carry on for 10 mins. THE RESULT? A clear head, a break from stress and a new mood. How easy was that?

‘Deep breathing helps relax muscles and reduce anxiety’