How to combat life's stresses
Simple pleasures really count – they're the perfect antidote to a stressful life
You might think it’s impossible to take time out from your hectic schedule to relax. But indulging yourself in a few simple pleasures can make all the difference. So try our top tips. We guarantee you will feel happier for it.
A family meal
Make eating together one of your top priorities. Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that sitting down to eat as a family helps children maintain healthy diets and boosts wellbeing. For maximum benefits scientists suggest at least five meals together a week. If that is unrealistic make Sunday lunch an occasion. Visit www.nhs.uk/change4life for some great family mealtime advice.
Catch up with friends
Spending time with friends is one of the simplest things you can do to rev up the happiness stakes in your life. Scientists at Harvard University found that happiness is catching – if you are friends with a positive person then 25 per cent of their cheerfulness rubs off on you.
Is it time to review your schedule?
Make a list of your commitments for the entire week. Ask yourself which is the most important to you in terms of what you want from your life?
Writing your list will help you to see where your time goes. Try to ensure everything you are doing adds something to your life. If it doesn’t then ditch it.
Grab a good book
Reading is one of the best instant stress busters around. And research from the University of Sussex says just six minutes with your nose in a book could be enough to reduce your stress levels by more than two thirds. See www.tescobookclub.com for great tips and reads of the month.
Great books are available to buy at www.tesco.com/entertainment
Get green fingers
Pottering around in your garden, even at this time of year, is a fantastic way to fight stress and enhance your wellbeing. Give your garden a good tidy up and plant bulbs for the spring. If you don’t have your own outside space, help out with some local conservation. See www.btcv.org for details of their Green Gym schemes in your area.
Walk in the park
Take advantage of the crisp, sunny autumnal days. Kicking through the leaves, and breathing in deeply, is a simple but effective way to lift your mood, and ease stress, says mental health charity Mind. Head out for a family ramble at the weekends for added benefits. For family-friendly routes near you see www.pushchairwalks.co.uk.
Have a lie in
Catch up on some sleep. Not only will it give you more energy, it could also boost your immune system and help you to lose weight. For more information on how to get a great night’s shut-eye see www.sleepcouncil.com.
Focus on the here and now
Most of us make life far more complicated than it needs to be by fretting about something we said last week, or worrying about what we need to do tomorrow.
You won’t get the benefits from simple pleasures if you are stressing all the time. Focus on what you're doing right now to make the most of it.