Small changes for big impact

Do you find time to relax and do things you enjoy during times of stress, anxiety or negativity? Here are 3 areas where you can make small changes in your daily routine for big impact:

Caffeine.

Cutting down the amount of caffeine you drink can have a significant positive impact on your productivity and state of mind. A study examined spider webs of spiders who ate flies laced with various stimulants – webs made by spiders who had consumed caffeine were significantly worse and less orderly than spiders who had consumed other stimulants.

Exercise.

We all know the impact exercise has on mental state. Often the thought of a workout, class or gym trip can seem difficult and even impossible during lockdown – but finding time to have fresh air, focus on your own wellbeing and increase your heart rate is a key part of mental well being.

Breathing.

During lockdown, we can easily become bogged down by negativity and frustration. When we are stressed, our breaths can become shorter and quicker – triggering feelings of anxiety to our prefrontal cortex (thought and feeling part of our brain) which impacts on our thought patterns, state of calm and rational thinking. Take time to listen to your breathing. If it seems short or increased, breathe in for 5 seconds, then breathe out for 5 seconds. Repeat this 10 times. Notice your breath entering your body and the calming influence it has as it transports oxygen throughout your body. Remember the importance of breathing and the impact it has on your body.