8 FREE ways to bring yourself some calm

I think everyone could do with bringing some more serenity into their lives but it seems particularly important now with winter approaching amidst a cost of living crisis, gas and energy prices rising massively and a recession at our doors.

I can feel my anxiety and stress levels rising whenever I think about the financial strain this winter will be putting on my household and I'd like to share with you some tools that won't cost you any money but could bring you some more inner peace and who doesn't want that!

1.Breathe slowly! If you've ever taken a yoga class with me, you'll know how much power the breath has. There have been many, many studies and experiments on the affect breath can have on our physiology but you don't have to wade through loads of scientific papers to prove it - just take 2 minutes to inhale and exhale slowly and steadily through the nose. There should be no feeling of effort when you do this, a simple 4-2-6 breath suits most people. Breathe in for your own count of 4, hold for 2 and breathe out for 6. Do this for a few cycles and you'll notice how you feel calmer and more relaxed.

2. Do something routine like cooking or cleaning or something that's repetitive like colouring or sewing. These are things you'll need to focus on but aren't arduous and engage the left side of our brains so that the right brain isn't able to go into over drive with imagination and over thinking.

3. Give yourself a quick body scan to take yourself out of any negative thought patterns and return yourself to the physical. Move your focus down your body slowly and observe without judgement - are you tense, warm, cold, relaxed? Ask yourself these questions in each area of the body and don't forget eyes, fingers and toes!

4. Exercise! Get those endorphins flowing with some movement, anything will do, it doesn't have to make you sweaty. A walk, a quick dance to something on the radio, a few half sun salutations... find what works for you. Exercise will also distract you from sources of stress and could clear your mind enough so that you can deal with issues more easily.

5. Write down anything you're worried about in a factual and non-emotional way This can help with your perspective and allow you to bring some detachment to your concerns.

6. Ask for help - a problem shared is a problem halved remember! Grab a coffee with a trusted friend or pick up the phone and don't be afraid to ask for advice or cry on someone's shoulder. Our friends are there to support us through good and bad times - isolating yourself and withdrawing will only make things feel worse.

7. Watch your sugar intake! Eating processed sweet snacks will make your blood sugar levels spike causing inflammation and the release of insulin which can lead to poor sleep, cravings, lethargy and more. Grab yourself a savoury snack (something that combines protein and carbs like a couple of crackers with cheese) rather than sweet and you'll feel more energised and avoid that sugar crash an hour later.

8. Make a to-do list, prioritise the tasks on it and then tackle one thing at a time. You might be able to delegate some of the tasks to others to relieve the stress on yourself too!

And please know that I am here for your yogic and breathing needs - if you'd like any help with breath exercises or specific yoga to help you relax, please just reach out and I will help as much as I can.

There are a few videos on the app which might be useful but I will be adding more soon, so keep your eyes peeled and let me know if you want anything in particular!

And if you've got any other ways to relax, please do share in the comments.