Create a feeling of calm with these simple, stress-less strategies
Feeling strung out, anxious or overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Stress levels around the world are soaring. Moreover, many studies have revealed that health problems such as insomnia, tummy troubles or chronic pain can be blamed on unmanageable stress levels.
However, introducing some stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine can make a huge difference.
‘To build resilience to stress and anxiety and allow the mind to rest for improved sleep and digestion, you need to give the body 10 minutes of TLC a day,’ says holistic health and well-being expert Rophin Vianney.
Try these simple strategies – you’ll feel the benefits of doing just one every day.
STRETCH AWAY STRESS
DO ‘LEGS UP THE WALL’
This yoga pose quietens the mind, says yoga expert Hannah Barrett.
✣ Lie on your back, legs up against the wall, feet parallel to the floor, and your bottom near the skirting board.
✣ Keep knees relaxed, feeling a light stretch in the legs.
✣ Stay in position for 10–15 minutes.
Image credit: Pexels
TRY CAT/COW STRETCH
Mobilise the spine to release tension, says Pilates expert Korin Nolan.
✣ Start on your hands and knees, your spine in a neutral position.
✣ Inhale and, as you exhale, tuck your bottom under and drop your head. Inhale and on the exhale, reverse the stretch, lifting your bottom and chin to the ceiling.
✣ Repeat five to 10 times.
GET INTO CHILD’S POSE
This relieves tension in the neck, back and shoulders, says Rophin.
✣ Kneel on all fours, knees wider than your hips. Bring your feet together behind you and draw the hips back until you are sitting on your heels.
✣ Slide hands forward, head to the floor between outstretched arms.
✣ Stay in the pose for several minutes.
Image credit: Pexels
PERFORM NECK STRETCH
Massage therapist Karen Mack recommends this technique.
✣ Stand straight, shoulders pushed back.
✣ Drop chin down, placing one hand on it, with the other positioned on the back of the neck, and pull neck upwards.
✣ Hold the stretch for 20–30 seconds.
ALSO SEE:
Why yoga and low-intensity exercises are your next superpowers
Featured image: Unsplash
Originally published in SA Woman&Home Magazine October 2022
