Do you ever feel stressed, anxious or overwhelmed? Out of touch with your body or stuck in your head? Are you a human living through the hot mess that is 2020?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you’ll need these six tools to lower stress levels. If you answered no, what planet did you come from and can we come back with you? Let’s go.

 

Lean into Lion’s Mane.

Say it with us: Lion’s Mane loves your brain. As well as being a superpowered nootropic, this medicinal mushroom has the ability to enhance cognitive function, stabilise mood swings and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. That’s why we included it in our all-natural vegan chocolate bars. A square of Fungirl a day keeps the scaries away ;)

Meditate.

Okay, hear us out. We’re not going to tell you to move to the Himalayas and perch on a rocky mountain top to seek enlightenment. But, taking a few mindful minutes each day can seriously improve your response to stress and anxiety triggers. We love using Insight Timer and the music on Calm to promote maximum chill. 

Plan something fun.

We’re big believers in the power of fun. Why not make a list of all the things you love to do – hiking, dancing, going out for a natural vino or planning a weekend smoothie date – and schedule one activity into your diary each week. Reach out to an old friend (or a new one!) and plan something that guarantees fun. 

HIIT it.

Daily movement is a non-negotiable at Fungirl. Exercise has been shown to reduce the level of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, in your body and stimulate the production of endorphins, which act on our brain receptors responsible for pain management and mood stability. Don’t know where to start? We wrote a list of our favourite ways to move.

Reach out.

Unleash your inner Gemini and get in touch with a family, friend or colleague who makes you feel good. Check-in on how they’re doing, let them know you’re feeling under the pump and give yourself permission to ask for help. Seek professional advice or support, wherever needed.

Breathe.

When all else fails, come back to breath. By slowing your breathing, your heart rate and blood pressure stabilises and your parasympathetic nervous system is activated – this is the opposite of fight-or-flight and is key to inner chill. Try this simple box breathing practice with us: Breathe in for four slow, gentle counts. Hold your breath for four, without strain or stress. Breathe out for four for another four counts, then hold it for four, focusing on the emptiness and silence in between. Repeat until calm is restored.

 
Still freaking? We feel you. Chocolate helps.
 
Written by Sarah Frish