Top Ten Tips for Reducing Stress with Megan, Head of PIGSPA

It seems obvious, but getting something basic like hydration right is a massive factor in how your body functions and, therefore, how you handle stress. Drinking enough water can help improve brain function, give you more energy as it helps carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells, and help regulate body temperature.

Hydration after a massage is even more important, as you can become dehydrated, mainly if firm pressure is applied. So remember to keep your fluids up if you have a treatment with us!

The benefits of taking some time out of your busy schedule to get outside are endless; from topping up your vitamin D levels to reconnecting with nature, studies have shown that being outdoors helps reduce stress and improve your mood.

Simple changes to your routine can help you get some extra time outside, like drinking your first cup of tea or coffee out in the garden, walking to the shop instead of driving, or planning outside activities for your day off like gardening, paddleboarding or simply a nice walk. Of course, this is all much more achievable in the warmer months, but getting out and about in the colder months still has the same benefits and will help fight off those winter blues.

Nighttime routines aren't just for toddlers who are fighting bedtime; they're also super beneficial for adults and help promote a better night's sleep, which is always a good thing! Examples of a nighttime routine include avoiding caffeine up to eight hours before bedtime, avoiding screens at least an hour before bed (reading is a great alternative that helps calm your nervous system), and creating a calming environment around your home before bed. I recommend the wonderfully relaxing 'Quietude' from TEMPLESPA to spritz around your bedroom just before you go to bed. Overall, the key is to create a routine that works for you and that you can stick to.

When life gets hectic, socialising might be the first piece of the puzzle to fall off, but spending time with your friends and family can have a multitude of benefits, from feeling happier and less lonely to potentially helping you live longer! It doesn't have to be anything fancy; just catching up for a coffee or calling someone for a catch-up will do the trick. This is particularly true if you're stressed due to overthinking; talking to a close friend can help take your mind off your worries and brighten your day.

I'm not necessarily talking about running 10k a day or going to the gym six days a week (but a huge round of applause if you do!). It's simply a case of keeping active where you can, whether that's walking somewhere you would usually drive to or joining a fun exercise class that you've never done before. If you can combine keeping active with socialising and getting outside, like playing a team sport or going for a walk with friends, you're habit-stacking without even thinking about it!

By now, most of us will have heard of mindfulness and the positive impact it can have on our wellbeing, but sometimes, it can be challenging to fit it into a busy schedule. Simple ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine can include focusing on the sunlight hitting your face when you go outside or waking up earlier to ensure you have plenty of time to get ready. This allows you to be more present in each moment as opposed to rushing around as soon as you're awake.

Taking time to yourself is a hugely important factor in keeping stress levels down and helping your overall wellbeing. Of course, as Head of Spa, my favourite 'me time' is a massage or facial at PIGSPA. Choose from a range of treatments for relaxation and pampering, or go one step ahead and opt for a reflexology session, specifically aimed to promote overall wellbeing. Sometimes you just can’t beat a relaxing spa experience!

However, time to yourself isn't all about fancy treatments; there are plenty of other relaxation techniques that can help. It can be as simple as scheduling some time during your week to read a chapter of a book or having a coffee by yourself instead of rushing to do the next job on your list. As the age-old saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup.

If you’re looking to spend some ‘me time’ in a relaxing PIGSPA treatment, take a look at the treatment menu here.

Screens are a huge part of our modern lives and almost unavoidable, but being conscious of the amount of time you spend on your phone, laptop, or tablet is an easy win when it comes to stress. We inevitably get sucked into scrolling through social media when we are just quickly checking the weather (very guilty of this myself!), but the time wasted whilst doing this just contributes to stress. Try and limit your time scrolling, especially before bedtime.

What you put into your body directly affects how you function, so fueling yourself with lots of nutritious fruit and vegetables to help keep your vitamin levels up is always a good idea. The best way to look at it is what you can add to your diet to get more nutrition rather than what you can take away. Berries, leafy greens, beans, lentils, and matcha are all said to contain properties that help reduce stress.

With all of the above said, the most important stress management technique is to be kind to yourself. Life can be chaotic at times, and even with the best intentions, you can have a bad day, week, or month when stress gets the better of you. It's ok. The goal is not to be perfect all of the time but to make allowances for yourself and understand that wellness and mental wellbeing look different for everyone. What is achievable for some people may not be achievable for you, and what works for you may not work for others.

Overall, being more mindful of these 10 ways to relieve stress should help you to make some positive changes. There’s no simple answer to how to manage stress in life, but promoting healthy habits and looking after your mind and body are essential for keeping stress down.