5 Ways to keep calm when life gets hectic

Stress is an unavoidable part of modern life and a completely natural response to many circumstances that your body and mind treat as threatening. These external stressors can be small things, like losing your car keys as you’re about to leave for work, or big ones, like juggling many parenting and career responsibilities.

When left unchecked, stress can snowball.. Some consequences of ongoing stress may include debilitating headaches, poor work performance, insomnia, and illness.

Key to counteracting the stresses of your daily life is to take a little time each day to focus on calm. Keep reading for some quick and easy tips to create a sense of calm during busy times.

Focus on your breathing
You may not notice it, but holding your breath is a common symptom of stress and anxiety. It’s only natural to feel panic when your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which creates even more stress. Breathing exercises can help reduce tension in your muscles and calm your mind. The best part about them is you can do them anywhere.

Simply sit in a quiet space and place one hand on your belly. Breathe in, counting to three, and then breathe out while doing the same. Focus intently on the rise and fall of your hand as you do so and repeat the exercise until you feel more relaxed.

Meditate for mental wellbeing
Deep, regular breaths can help relieve anxiety, but they work best when you quiet your mind at the same time. Racing thoughts can contribute considerably to stress and panic. Try and take five minutes every day to just stop and practice stillness.

Set your alarm in the morning to wake up 10 minutes earlier, or go to bed a little later and get your meditation in then. You can listen to guided meditation exercises online, or simply spend this time being still, clearing your mind completely, and breathing deeply.

Meditation is one of the most effective stress-busting techniques for busy people. Often, the simple act of visualising a calm and pleasant environment is enough to settle your thoughts and help you feel a bit more peaceful.

Treat yourself
You needn’t book a week-long retreat at an expensive spa to get the most out of pampering yourself. Even a short session at home can leave you rejuvenated and ready to face the world.

Enjoy a bubble bath by candlelight, give yourself a mini manicure, or indulge in a luxurious facial. The rich and creamy Herbalife SKIN Purifying Mint Clay Mask uses the toning effects of bentonite clay to improve the appearance of pores, and remove dirt and absorb excess oil, while the added aromatherapy benefits of rosemary and spearmint oil help promote a sense of calm and combat stress.

Take sleep seriously
Staying up later or getting up hours before the sun rises are common tactics to try and cram more into our days. But usually, this only makes matters worse when it comes to combating stress.
A lack of sleep can slow your responses, dull your mind, and often result in getting less done than you intended. Meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxing scents can all help create a good environment for sleep if you find your mind racing at the end of a busy day.
A good night’s sleep can go a long way to get things back into perspective.

Make stress management part of your daily routine
These tips, plus nutritious, well-balanced meals, regular bedtimes, and daily exercise can do much to combat stress, but they won’t help if you don’t make a habit of them. Start small and add one or two of these techniques to your schedule. Once they become part of your routine, add another until you feel calmer and more in control.