So stressed you feel like screaming?!

We live in a fast-paced and stressful world, and it seems anxiety affects more and more of the population every year.

I myself am anxious, creative, a wife, and mother of two who frequently busy with piles of pressure that I put on myself. I know it can be daunting to do even the small things especially when you have kids. Change happens one small step at a time. Even if you spend the week just focusing on ONE thing from the list, that’s great! Remember to reward yourself with a well earned pat on the back.

So here’s a short list of things that we can all take 5-15 minutes a day to try out to help ease your anxiety:

•Be mindful

Just simply breathe deep, and ‘be’. There are plenty of books, CDs and apps out there to help you begin your journey into mindfulness. Short guided meditations, 5-10 minutes are the best way to start out.

•Get up earlier

This one is SO simple yet meets SO much resistance and excuses from people (myself included.) It’s especially important if you constantly struggle with that feeling of ‘not having enough time’. If you work shifts it can be more difficult, or if you have children, but it can still be done. Set your alarm 15 mins earlier every fortnight and in a month you’ll have gained an hour a day.

•Cook

Food is so important to every single one of us and as any nutritionist, healthcare or medical professional will tell you, what you eat is so important if you want to get the best from your body and mind. Cooking for yourself (and others) is a key life skill. It will teach you to be more thrifty, less wasteful, and you learn more about origins or ingredients, flavour, nutrients and culinary techniques. And don’t forget that a night in with friends sharing a delicious home cooked meal is a real simple pleasure that feeds the tummy and your soul.

•Exercise

We all know the physical benefits of exercise, but even just a 10 minute walk out in the fresh air can have a great impact on your mental state too. If you currently struggle to leave the house, try popping some headphones in and just walking up and down the stairs or do some enthusiastic vacuuming to get your blood pumping.

•Call a friend

Or even better, see them in person. Ideally don’t text, or Facebook or WhatsApp. If you have a phone actually call them for a chat. If you’re able to, go visit them. Meet them out for a coffee or simply invite them round yours if you’re not up to being around other people. Talking with a loved one can help raise your mood and put things into a new brighter perspective.

•Listen to Music

Your favourite music can do wonders to lift your mood. Happy music can perk you up, or if you like something more melancholy, it can be cathartic to hear someone else sing about feelings you identify with. Personally I’d say try not to dwell too much on sad music though, especially if you suffer a low mood with your anxiety.

...and heres a bonus one: SMILE!

Smiles are infectious in the best way and can help positively rewire your brain. So go on, take the easiest step, think of something nice and just smile.

Look after yourselves.