Have A Cuppa
Take 15 minutes, boil the jug and ‘Zone Out’. Enjoy each sip, forgot about the programming, the assessments that need marking and ‘that child’. Having this time is a form of meditation and allows us to clear out mind and approach the next step in life with less stress and more clarity (Sepal 2015). If you’re not into tea, grab your favourite book, run a bath or just sit.
Go For A Stroll
Put the books down, put on the joggers and go outside for a brisk 30 minute walk. Studies have found that just 30 minutes of exercise increase release serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’, literally making us happier, which means less stress (Sepal 2015), even get a ‘walking partner’ to debrief with on your stroll.
Breath...
When becoming overwhelmed with programming or behaviour issues, take 5 minutes to perform 20 diaphragm breathes, in through the nose, out through the mouth, expanded the diaphragm with each breath. Lay down on the floor, with your legs directly up the wall, close your eyes and perform this breathing activity. This exercise, according to Sepal (2015), reduces our blood pressure and reduces the release of Cortisol, the ‘stress’ hormone.
Indulge… in an Orange
Stressful lifestyles often lead to bad eating habits, which creates the vicious cycle of the way impact that bad eating habits has on our stress levels and overall wellbeing (Sepal 2015). So instead of reaching for the chocolate bar for stress relief, have a big glass of cold water and reach for something rich in nutrients and vitamins like an orange to nourish the nervous system (Sepal 2015). Pealing an orange can also be quiet therapeutic in itself!