Four cost-free ways to help you relax and improve your mental health
WORK, children, relationships, or money trouble can cause daily stress.
If you are feeling on edge, there are cost-free things you can do to help you relax. Try these tips to calm your inner storm.
BREATHE: Deep breathing exercises help calm us down during moments of anxiety, according to Dr Sophie Mort, clinical psychologist at mental health app Headspace.
She says: “When we intentionally breathe deeper through the nose, we may notice our breath is pushing out our stomach. This is a sign that our lungs are expanding and increasing airflow.” Deep breathing activates our “rest and digest” system, which tells the body to relax.
MOVE: Getting active can help clear your thoughts and calm intense emotions.
Dr Sophie says: “Moving our bodies can decrease stress hormones and encourages the production of endorphins which uplifts our mood.
“Even just a ten-minute stroll can ease our minds and dispel overwhelming thoughts.”
NATURE: Being in a natural environment can help lower our stress levels. Try to incorporate green space into everyday activities. For example, walk through the park to go to work.
If you can’t get out, even listening to the sounds of birds chirping for five minutes can provide calm, according to studies. You can find “bird song” sounds on YouTube and listen free.
TALK: Speaking about your worries can bring a sense of relief.
Dr Sophie says: “If work is stressing you out, research indicates that venting to colleagues has a positive impact on mental health and helps us process our emotions.”
Talking also creates connection which helps bring us joy and a sense of belonging.
Take time each day to spend quality moments with family or friends — eating dinner or lunch together, for example, where you can bond.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
GET a bundle of beauty products worth £156.95 – from brands including Sol De Janeiro, Liz Earle and Fenty Beauty – for £45 with Boots Buyers Pick box.
SAVE: £111.95
Cheap treat
SHOW your support for England in the Euros with this footie shirt, £7, at Matalan.
What's new?
HOW you doin’? To mark 30 years of Friends, Krispy Kreme has created a limited-edition range inspired by the hit sitcom, available until July 21, from £3.25 each.
Top swap
SUNBATHE in style by the pool with this swimsuit, £165 from hunzag.com.
Or keep more cash for the beach bar with the £16 textured suit, from Tu at Sainsbury’s.
SAVE: £149
Little helper
DELIVERY app Just Eat is offering 50 per cent off grocery favourites on Wednesdays until August 14.
From meats to produce, at stores including Co-op and Sainsbury’s.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!