8 Relaxing techniques

1. Breath focus. In this simple, powerful technique, you take long, slow, deep breaths (also known as abdominal or belly breathing). 

2. Body scan. Starting at the top of the head, gently scan down through the body, noticing what feels comfortable and what feels uncomfortable. Remember, you're not trying to change anything, just noticing how the body feels as you scan down evenly and notice each and every part of the body, all the way down to the toes.

3. Guided imagery.  Take a few deep breaths so the body can start relaxing. Visualize a peaceful, calm setting, such as, a garden, lake, or somewhere by the sea. Picture the scene and add more details. Explore the scene with all other senses, for example, imagine birds chirping, the scent of flowers, and the warmth of the sun.

4. Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

5. Yoga. Researchers theorize that yoga's mindful movement and breathing activate the relaxation response. Therefore, yoga moves us out of the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) and into the parasympathetic nervous (“rest and digest”) system.

6. Tai chi. Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that focuses on slow, deliberate movements. Its emphasis on balance and coordination strengthens your body while calming your mind. In addition to reducing stress levels, studies have shown that practicing Tai Chi can help lower blood pressure and improve posture.

7. Walk in Nature forrest bath What is forest bathing? This Japanese practice is a process of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.

8. Positive thoughts and gratefullness in journal. A study from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center revealed that keeping a gratitude journal can significantly increase feelings of optimism, improve sleep, and reduce stress. 

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s missing, what needs improvement, or what lies ahead. But what if the key to improving your mental well-being was as simple as focusing on what you already have? 

This shift in mindset can be achieved through the practice of keeping a gratitude journal, a powerful tool that can rewire your brain to find joy in the present and increase your overall appreciation of life. 

Positive thoughts and gratefullness in journal. A study from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center revealed that keeping a gratitude journal can significantly increase feelings of optimism, improve sleep, and reduce stress. 

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s missing, what needs improvement, or what lies ahead. But what if the key to improving your mental well-being was as simple as focusing on what you already have? 

This shift in mindset can be achieved through the practice of keeping a gratitude journal, a powerful tool that can rewire your brain to find joy in the present and increase your overall appreciation of life.