Six ways to reduce stress
Since 1992, April has been dubbed Stress Awareness Month. Stress can affect anyone and everyone to varying degrees. So whether you’re worrying about work, money or family, the good news is that there are lots of small changes you can make to ease the stresses of modern life.
1) Declutter
We can’t all be Marie Kondo, but there’s a reason she has people claiming that her organisation and decluttering methods have transformed their lives. A clean and tidy home can provide a feeling of control and calm.
Two-drawer brass box, £35
Vintage Apple bamboo boxes, £19.95
Read our 5 ways to use belly baskets blog for more stylish storage inspiration.
2) Write it down
The simple act of writing can help reduce anxiety. You could try keeping a stress diary to help you identify and manage the things that may cause you stress. Alternatively, try keeping a happiness journal, and focus on the things that make you happy.
Folk Doves A6 notebook, £1.95
3) Sleep
A good night’s sleep is often touted as the number one thing you can do to reduce stress. Prepare yourself for a good night’s rest by switching off any screens an hour before bed (there are lots of studies on the effects of blue light on sleep). If you’ve got children, and find that they’re addicted to the apps on their phones, encourage them to switch off and give more traditional toys and games a go before bedtime.
Polar Explorers puzzle, £7.95
4) Eat well
A good diet is key for your overall health, but also has a big impact on your mental health. Eating foods that are rich in Omega 3s, such as nuts and oily fish, is said to do wonders for your mood. And the best news of all? A Swiss study found that eating small amounts of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate can also help to reduce stress by lowering levels of stress hormones in the body.
Tropical Palm snack pots, £5.95 for a set of three
5) Colour in
Take some time out to focus on a soothing and therapeutic activity, like colouring in. Print out and enjoy this mindful colouring sheet of our brand new design story, Folk Doves.
Folk Doves mindful colouring sheet. Click image to download.
6) Be kind
Be kind to yourself. Carve out time to spend however you like, and forgive yourself if things don’t go to plan. As Henry James once said: “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind”.
We hope you’ll find some of these tips useful. Remember, happiness is contagious, so pass it on!
