De-stress anD switch off
“having too many commitments and making other people’s needs our responsibility can feel overwhelming,” says Carole ann. high stress levels can block memory processes, making us forget what we’ve learnt. but, more importantly, researchers from the University of wisconsin-madison found that each stressful incident could age your brain by 1.5 years.
✢ how… Beditate
want to tap into your creative side? Jumping out of bed stressed won’t help. “when you’re in a stressed beta-brainwave mode, you’re very focused on a particular goal or problem – great for when you know what you’re doing, but not so good for creative thinking or problem-solving,” explains beditation creator laurence shorter. “beditating”, which involves spending five minutes in bed before getting up, slows down and relaxes your brainwaves, so you move from stressdriven beta-wave mode into relaxed alpha-wave mode. here’s how to do it... ✢ Lie there and do nothing don’t scramble out of bed in a mad frenzy first thing. acknowledge the voice in your head that says you need to be doing something, but don’t react. also be mindful of your body lying on the bed. ✢ this should relax you don’t worry or force it if you struggle to feel calm, just repeat the process until you do.
✢ once you feel relaxed, ask yourself “what are my priorities for the day?” don’t worry if the answer doesn’t come to you immediately. hopefully, by unwinding, you’ll give your brain space to think and conjure up creative solutions to make you feel composed and prepared for the day.
Swap busy for breathe
using words like “stressed”, “busy” or “hectic” can make you feel anxious. every time you think “busy”, swap it for “breathe” – then take a deep breath in and out.
Feel the pressure
sleep is key for numerous brain functions, including how neurons communicate and removing toxic build-up. but a jam-packed brain can stop you switching off and dropping off. try this snooze-inducing trick – rub the spot behind your ear where your neck muscles connect with your jawline. “It’s one of the most relaxing points in the body,” says gillian berry, a member of the british acupuncture Council. activating pressure points is thought to boost your natural relaxation response.