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21 June 2021

How to de-stress when you’re feeling ‘blah’

We asked zen friend and yogi Amelia to share her top tips on staying mindful when you’re stuck in your feels.

5 ways to de-stress when you’re feeling ‘blah’

Feeling overwhelmed at work? Have a ton of life admin to do? Just having an off day? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The good news is there are mindful practises you can try that can help with how you’re feeling. And they’re totally not daunting (promise!). We asked our zen friend, yoga instructor Amelia from Yoga 213, to share her top tips to de-stress.

Roll out the yoga mat

Yoga teaches us many tools that can be very useful in times of stress. The practice of synchronising breath and movement strengthens your ability to connect to yourself in the present moment. Slowing down your breathing will encourage a sense of ease and rest. The beauty is yoga can be practised anytime and anywhere. No prerequisites or experience needed, just an open mind and heart.

Get out in nature whenever you can

Walk outdoors. Look up at the sky. Breathe in the fresh air. Be present with your surroundings. All of these things have a positive effect on mental health by reducing anxiety and increasing the ability to connect, create, and focus. Getting outdoors can bring you back to the present moment, which can often feel quite grounding, especially when stress or anxiety creeps in. It takes you back home to your body.

“Mindfulness to me is deeply listening.
It’s practising the ability to take a step back and truly observe all facets of our being.
Paying attention with presence to the mind, breath and body.”

Try meditation, it’s easier than you think

There’s often the misconception that you have to quiet the mind completely to feel the benefits of a meditation practice. This is so far from the truth! Meditation might be as simple as paying attention to what you feel in that very moment, without conceptualising, analysing or attaching to it. There is no such thing as a good or bad meditation. Especially in a stressful time, the breath is a great tool to centre yourself and calm the nervous system. Even just five long, deep, conscious breaths can make such a big impact.

Move your body in any way that feels good

Put on your favourite music. Shake, dance and move! Without worrying about what it looks like, there’s no right or wrong way. This is my #1 favourite way to de-stress and shake off any physical or mental tension that no longer serves me.

“It’s important to practise mindfulness
without any expectations or self-judgement, and instead, come from a place of
self-compassion and kindness.”

Whatever you’re feeling, write it down

Putting your thoughts on paper is so therapeutic. Journaling is a tool I’ve personally used when my mind is super busy or I’m going through a stressful time. Whether it’s a sentence, a few words, a page or five pages long. Allowing yourself to articulate exactly what’s on your mind, as if you were venting to your best friend, can feel like a release and alleviate some mental pressure.

Mindful movement at HQ

To celebrate International Yoga Day and help our team to be their happiest and healthiest selves, we invited Amelia from Yoga 213 to inspire mindful movement at our Body Health & Wellness Club at HQ. Amelia guided us through a 30-minute energising Vinyasa practice that you can try here.