5 of the best ways to unwind

As the year draws to a close, chose ‘me’ time with 5 of the best ways to unwind

Christmas is chaotic. Fun, but chaotic. There’s the present buying, the partying, the tree decorating, the dinner cooking and the family entertaining – and all to the soundtrack of unrelenting Christmas music. If you’re looking to recharge your batteries for the New Year, we’ve got just the thing. Kick back, relax and take note of our best ways to unwind.

Hygge
The Danish ritual that inspires relaxation and a sense of cosiness, hygge should be top of your list if you’re looking to unwind. Think long soaks in a bubble bath, surrounding yourself with scented candles, sharing food with friends and lighting the fire and snuggling on the sofa – all are the essence of hygge and most can be done from the comfort of your own home. Hygge can be enjoyed at any time of the year, but it really comes into its own when the weather outside is cold and miserable. The Danes, who experience some of the harshest, coldest and darkest winters in the world, make a conscious effort to take time for themselves and enjoy the simpler things in life. And since they’re consistently labelled some of the happiest people on earth, they must be doing something right. So go on, get your slippers, light the fire and snuggle down to your favourite film with a face mask on – we promise you’ll feel relaxed in no time.

Start a journal
Whether you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, happy or sad, writing in a journal can be one of the best – and easiest – ways to unwind. A technique that’s long been praised by professionals, the process of writing your thoughts and feelings down is incredibly therapeutic and cathartic, allowing you to offload and explore your feelings in a safe and neutral place. The beauty of a journal is that you can be as real, as ugly, and as truthful as you like – no one else is going to see it! Use it when you first wake up for a positive start to the day, use it when you get to work as an extended to-do list, or write in it at the end of the day to remind yourself of what went right that day. However you use it, you can rest assured that you’ll feel a whole lot better afterwards.

Meditate
Even if we’re doing something relaxing, like reading a book, the mind can’t quite switch off. Before you know it, you’ve read 10 pages without taking in a word. Sometimes, getting your mind to be still and quiet is one of the hardest, yet most rewarding tasks you can undertake. Meditation is the answer, and allows you the time to really, completely switch off. Simply find a peaceful space and sit or lie comfortably. Close your eyes and concentrate only on your breathing. Focus on breathing deep into your belly rather than your chest (try not to raise your shoulders) and acknowledge how each breath makes your body and mind feel. Some people like to add in positive affirmations, either spoken aloud or in your head. If you find it too hard alone, try apps that offer guided meditation and relaxation.

Abhyanga
While we can all agree that getting a massage is one of the fastest tickets to a relaxed body and mind, for most of us, they’re a luxury and not something we have the time or money to get regularly. Step up, Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic practice of self-massage. It might not target that sports injury or strained muscle, but on a cellular level is can detoxify the body, increase circulation, enhance relaxation and restore energy. Simply find a peaceful place to sit, and then massage your body with warm oil. Start with the limbs and work your way up, using long strokes on the arms and circular motions on the joints. To complete the ritual, try smiling and sending positive messages to your body while you move.

Yoga
Stretching your muscles, tuning into your body and focusing on your breathing all lends to a relaxed state of mind, while physical tension and pain in your muscles will also be reduced. Working as a great stress-buster, one of yoga’s greatest benefits is helping you to be present; turning your thoughts inward to concentrate on your breathing, quietening the mind and reconnecting to your spirit. Sign up to a class for a guided session or check out the arsenal of videos on YouTube.