Take a break
Relaxation doesn’t have to take up lots of your time. Just stepping away from something stressful for a few minutes or taking time away from your normal routines and thoughts can give you enough space and distance to feel calmer.
Read a book or a magazine, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
Run yourself a bath, watch a film, play with a pet or try out a new recipe.
Focus on your breathing
Learning to breathe more deeply can help you feel a lot calmer.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to keep your shoulders down and relaxed, and place your hand on your stomach – it should rise as you breathe in and fall as you breathe out.
Count as you breathe. Start by counting 'one, two, three, four' as you breathe in and 'one, two, three, four' as you breathe out. Try to work out what’s comfortable for you.
Spend time in nature
Spending time outside and in green spaces can be great for your physical and mental health.
Take a walk in the countryside or through a local park, taking time to notice trees, flowers, plants and animals you see on the way. See our page on relaxation exercises for a guided mindful moment in nature.
Spend some time taking part in conservation, whether that’s digging in your own garden or taking part in a local green project. You can find projects and outdoor activities to suit whatever level of mobility you have. See our pages on ecotherapy for more information about how to find projects in your area.
Do a tech check
Technology can be great for helping you feel connected, but if you’re using it a lot then it can contribute to making you feel busy and stressed. Taking a break (even a short one) can help you relax.
Try turning your phone off for an hour (or a whole day if you’re feeling brave).
Step away from the TV, or have an evening where you don’t check emails or social networks. Use the time to do something relaxing – you could try some of the ideas above.
Try active relaxation
Relaxation doesn’t have to mean sitting still – gentle exercise can help you relax too.
Take a walk, going at your own pace. You might choose to go for a longer walk, but even a few minutes of walking can help you feel relaxed.
Look for a class you'd like to try, such as yoga, Pilates or gentle stretching.
See our page on physical activity and mental health for more tips.
If you're interested in getting more active to support your mental health, take a look at our Get Set to Go campaign to find out more about how you can get active in your local area.
Get creative
Getting in touch with your artistic side can help you feel more calm and relaxed.
Try painting, drawing, making crafts, playing a musical instrument, dancing, baking or sewing.
Try not to worry too much about the finished product – just focus on enjoying yourself.
See our page on relaxation exercises for more ideas on how to use creative activities to relax.
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