These are five simple tips that I use regularly to help me unwind after a tough day. If you have anxieties, trouble switching off after a long day or have trouble sleeping at night, feel free to try them for yourself.

Remember to Smile

As silly as it may sound, we often forget to smile. If you keep a gentle smile on your face, this calming practice can help to clear any blocked energies.

Release in Child’s Pose

This simple technique helps to create a feeling of safety, hence the name, while releasing any back and hip tightness.

Simply kneel on a blanket and then rest your head and torso in a comfortable position on a cushion in front of you. Then, place your hands either side of the cushion with your hands higher than your head to soften the shoulders. Breathe gently and rest in this position for 3-5 minutes.

Do Neck Stretches

Neck stretches help counteract the usual physical symptoms of stress – lifted shoulders and a tilted forward head, which usually result in shoulder pain and tension headaches.

All you need to do is to interlace your hands behind your head and then drop your chin to your chest. Relax and drop your shoulders away from your ears. Then, turn your chin to one side for 5-10 gentle breaths, repeating the same on the other side. Now, bring your chin back to the centre, and slowly lift your head.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

An excellent tip for clearing the mind and calming the nervous system is alternate nostril breathing. It helps you to relax and unwind.

Make sure to find a comfortable position with your shoulders relaxed and eyes closed. Use the flat palm of your right hand to close your left nostril. Take a deep breath in through the right nostril, then release and work on the opposite nostril with your left hand. You can alternate nostrils for 5-10 rounds.

Legs Up the Wall

During my years of nursing school, I found myself doing a ritual after a long shift and found it gave amazing results. It is a simple act of inverting which triggers the pituitary gland to release relaxation and sleep hormones as well as being excellent for blood circulation.

What you need to do is place your legs as straight as possible up against the wall, with a cushion under your hips for support. Focus on your breath.

A good tip is to place your hands on your belly and feel it rise and fall, this way you are checking into your diaphragm and working it properly. You might want to do this while listening to relaxing music. Close your eyes and forget the worries of the day.

You do not have to do all these tips at once. Mix and match them up and try a new one each day.

This is your time to pamper yourself and be mindful. Remember to breathe and know that you are loved and that you are worth loving.

Do you have a healthy ritual you would like to share? What do you do to help you relax after a long day? I would love to hear your tips in the comments below.