Stress affects all of us — some more than others — and when it builds up, it can impact everything from our mood and sleep to our overall wellbeing. These expert-backed tips can help you ease tension, calm the mind, and feel more in control day-to-day.
Tips from Jane Clarke, Dietician and Founder of Nourish
Have a hot drink
Choose a favourite mug and make a soothing infusion — chamomile, lemon verbena or mint tea, a warmed Chocolate Nourish Drink (www.nourishbyjaneclarke.com), or even a comforting mug of homemade soup. Wrapping your hands around it provides instant warmth and a sense of grounding.
Make notes
Try keeping a small diary. When you feel stressed, write down what triggered it, what you chose to do next, and how it made you feel. Over time, you’ll spot the patterns, habits, and actions that lift you up — and the ones that don’t serve you.
Tips from Nutritional Therapist Hannah Braye from Bio-Kult
Eat right
Skipping meals or reaching for sugary, refined snacks is common when we’re stressed — but it sends blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster, which actually increases stress. Aim for regular meals with complex carbohydrates and good-quality protein to help stabilise your mood and energy throughout the day.
Look after your gut
Stress, late nights, alcohol and high-sugar foods can have a negative impact on the gut flora. Adding live bacteria supplements, such as Bio-Kult Advanced (£9.48, www.bio-kult.com), may help to rebalance the gut and support overall wellbeing.
Tips from Fi Clark, Instructor at FLY LDN
Meditate
Meditation doesn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged for hours. It can be done anywhere — at home, on a walk, or during a quiet moment in your day. One of the simplest techniques is mindfulness: focus on the breath as it moves in and out of the body, or tune into the sensation of your footsteps and your surroundings. Guided meditation apps like Headspace can also help you find calm and clarity.
Get creative
Creative activities such as adult mandala colouring books offer a meditative, screen-free escape. The circular shapes of mandalas can calm the mind, promote relaxation and boost creativity. Focusing on the colours and patterns helps shift your attention away from stress and gives the mind a gentle reset.