Easy ways to help relax your mind

The simple natural tools that you can implement into your lifestyle to aid in relaxing your mind and to support a good night’s rest.

Nerves a little jangled? Brain busier than Bondi Beach on a 40 degree day?

Between balancing our homes, careers, family and social life, figuring out how to relax and be happy is often the last thing on our to-do list.

Research has found the majority of Australians feel that stress and anxiety impacts their physical health (72 per cent) and mental health (64 per cent).

But it is possible to find peace among the chaos.

We’ve rounded up five easy and natural tools you can use to relax and relieve stress, fast:

Meditation

Meditating is all about clearing the mind’s chatter, but it doesn’t have to mean a week-long silent retreat that costs a fortune.

There are many ways to meditate and you can do it in as little as a minute. So, give it a go.

Studies have shown it can help in reducing stress by calming your mind.

Breathing sessions

Yes it’s something we do 24/7, but there’s a difference between “rushing around everyday breathing” and mindful deep breathing exercises.

By taking longer, slower breaths from your stomach, you signal to your nervous system to calm down.

There are different types of breathing practices, like box breathing and alternate nostril breathing, and they can take a little practice.

But you can do them anywhere and anytime.

Yoga

It has been practised for thousands of years but modern science is finding that as well as helping to improve flexibility, balance and strength, the ancient art of yoga can also help us find a more balanced and peaceful state of mind.

It’s also been shown to help with sleep quality, a big plus for brains that won’t quit.

Find a local class or even Google one – there are plenty of free classes online.

Time in nature (or gardening)

Think about how good you feel walking by the ocean or just taking in the wide blue (or, yes, grey) sky on a park walk.

There’s plenty of research backing the restorative power of spending time in nature.

And you don’t even have to leave home.

Studies have found that gardening (even just twice a week) can improve feelings of wellbeing and lower stress. And, your plants will love you.

Natural herbs

There are a number of calming herbs that can help you keep your cool among the stresses of hectic modern life.

Valerian has been used as natural medicine to induce sleep and relieve restlessness as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome

It is also used in traditional Western herbal medicine as a nervous system relaxant, to assist mind relaxation and relieve excess nervous energy.

Then there’s lavender.

Not only renowned for its pretty colour and beautiful aroma, lavender oil also has a long history of being used in medicine to help ease anxiety and relieve sleeplessness.

GO Healthy Pro Ashwagandha Sleep is specially formulated with carefully selected herbs, including valerian and lavender oil, traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to assist mind relaxation and support the nervous system.

Vegetarian-friendly, the super convenient one-a-day formula means there’s one less thing to stress about, leaving you free to tackle a little yoga, deep breathing or walking in nature. Feel the zen!

* This post is brought to you by GO Healthy Pro Ashwagandha Sleep. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.