With longer days arriving and lockdown restrictions lifted, we’re all adjusting to a new way of life – and while welcome, it can be tricky too. Here, mum-of-three, bestselling author and nutritionist Rosanna Davison shares her tips for coping with times that leave you feeling overwhelmed.

IT’S GREAT TO see the first signs of spring, with the daffodils out and trees in blossom – plus we’ve finally seen the sun for what feels like the first time in months! But recent months and years have brought huge uncertainty and worry for many people, and managing through them has been hectic to say the least.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes, whether that’s through work, the news, or just managing the everyday manic-ness! (As a mum of three under three, I’ll just say, if you want your house trashed for free, call us.) But the good news is that there are some ways to tackle those feelings. Here are my top tips for when it all just gets a bit much.

Healthy body, healthy mind

It may feel like there simply are not enough hours in the day, trust me you are not alone with this feeling! Whatever your days demand, allocating time for exercise is really important. You may not feel like you have the time but even allowing time for a short burst of exercise, a quick walk or run outdoors will make all the difference.

Exercise releases endorphins which make us feel happy, the happier we feel the easier it is to concentrate and tackle other responsibilities. If you find yourself having a day where nothing seems to be going right, try a short yoga session, there are so many videos available on YouTube. Light a candle, play some relaxing music, focus on your breathing and feel yourself unwind. This is also a great habit to get into when your mind is still racing after a hectic day.

Eat smart

It can be so easy to reach for quick options when time is short or you feel like you need an instant lift. Reaching for processed foods and snacks may give you an immediate boost or sugar rush, but the crash afterwards will leave you feeling lethargic and demotivated. Swap the sugary snacks for a balanced diet full of green vegetables, nuts and fruits and eat little and often during the day to keep your energy levels up.

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The Z factor: Sleep is so important!

No matter how busy you feel, it’s so important to make sure you make time for sleep. Pulling late-night stints to get things done, whether it’s at work or around the house, may make you feel as though you are achieving more but the reality is that if you are sleep deprived you will not be able to concentrate properly. You should try and aim to get 8 hours sleep a night.

Take a breath

There are plenty of different things which can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed, from work or family to sometimes just reading the news! If you feel your worry levels rising, try to relax your shoulders and take a few slow, deep breaths to calm yourself. Take a moment for yourself if you can. Try to stay as relaxed as possible and enjoy some quiet time, even if it’s just for a minute or two.

Feeling that way is completely normal but sometimes stepping back and trying to remember the bigger picture can be really helpful to keep your mind clear. If you can, avoid getting too caught up in whatever is making you feel worried. Instead, try to chat with friends or loved ones who will give you a listening ear – it can be a big comfort just to share your thoughts, no matter how trivial they might seem.

Lastly, remember that everyone finds everyday life overwhelming at times. Whether it’s at work, in study, or as a parent, it’s important to remember the positives and recognise all the things you are doing right – there are probably more than you think!

If you’re finding life a little too hectic or feeling overwhelmed, Rescue Remedy drops could help to restore a sense of calm. You can simply add a few drops of Rescue Remedy as you need into a bottle of water to rehydrate through the day. Or Rescue Remedy Spray recreates the same calming effects as 4 drops of the liquid in 2 quick sprays.

Meanwhile, Rescue Remedy Night with white chestnut has traditionally been used to help switch off the mind from unwanted, repetitive thoughts, so you can enjoy a natural night’s sleep. The Rescue range is available from pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. Also available from SuperValu and Tesco. Find out more here.