Focusing on our breathing for any length of time can help to manage anxiety and boost wellbeing. Nasal breathing is believed to reduce stress and improve energy flow. One of our favourites is this technique inspired by Olivia H. Miller’s The Yoga Deck:

Sit comfortably, with your back straight and chest open. Breathe out completely, then breathe in through your nose for a count of five, letting the air fill your chest and belly. Hold for a count of 15. Breathe out through your nose for a count of 10. Do this a total of five times.

Stretching is amazing. It helps muscles relax, supports blood flow, and improves mood and wellbeing. Try any of these simple moves next time you get five minutes to yourself:

Shoulder shrugs and neck rotation

Arm circles

Side to side stretch

Chair twist

Forward fold

Engaging all our senses can be a fast and powerful way to relieve anxiety and regulate our emotions. The 5-4-3-2-1 method helps us to pay attention to the present and works like this:

Name 5 things you can see

Name 4 things you can feel/touch

Name 3 things you can hear

Name 2 things you can smell

Name 1 thing you can taste