1. Breathe

,​Have you ever observed your breathing  ?  It is said that "how you breathe is how you live ".  We can live approximately 3 weeks without food, 3 days without fluid but without the breath not much longer than 3 - 5 minutes.  So in the scheme of life, breathing should have a high priority. After all it is the first and last thing we will do.  But most of us breath in a shallow short style.  One of the best things I ever learned was to breathe deep into my abdomen.  Imagine your belly expanding like a balloon on the in breath and collapsing down on the out breath.  Do this 4 or 5 times very consciously and deliberately and you can feel your energy growing and your nerves calming.

2.  De- clutter

 I don't know anything quite as liberating and calming as a good old de-clutter.  It is a basic principle of feng shui that when we let go of things and clear space around us we are also making way for new opportunities in our lives.  I spend time with clients in this process and I know it can be hard to let go sometimes.  But be honest with yourself when you are deciding whether to donate it or keep it.  Will you use it in the next 6 months and or is it beautiful ?  If the answer is NO then let it go to someone who might benefit instead.  I usually advise clients to start with one draw or cupboard in one room and de-clutter no more than one a day.  It is too easy to get side tracked or overwhelmed if you take on too much. Plus you will do a much better job if you take it in small steps.  
When it comes to your wardrobe, just create 3 piles "haven't worn in a year or more",  "favourites that flatter",  " never feel good in this".  Donate the "never feel good in this" immediately even if it cost a fortune.  Sort the favourites that flatter into tops, pants, skirts, jackets, shoes and arrange in your wardrobe in colour order.  The haven't worn in a year pile gets donated too, because you never will wear it - trust me.   I am also a big lover of the capsule wardrobe.  I have a basic uniform because it flatters me - pants, camisoles and jackets.  Its my go to combo.  Find your most common combination of clothing - your "uniform" and stick with it.  As a general rule I have my perfect number - 6 shirts, 6 pants, 4 skirts, 2 dresses, 6 jackets, 6 shoes.  You can add accessories to the list like handbags and underwear but cutting back on the numbers of things in my wardrobe truly liberated my life.  I am never stuck for what to wear because it's so easy to find what I need and I get dressed in half the time.

3. Stop Thinking

It's official and one of the most brilliant minds told us - "You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it".  Thank you Einstein.  If you have ever ruminated over a decision or observed yourself thinking the same thing over and over then you probably know there must be a better way.  

4. Dim the lights

Not all light is the same.  The light from sunrise and sunset has deeply healing benefits for your body but the blue light from computers and other mobile devices as well as fluorescent lights can raise our cortisol levels leaving us feeling more stressed.   So if you are addicted to your computer and or facebook watching before bed, then try switching off at least 2 hours before bedtime.  In the evening have softer lighting in your home such as lamps and invest in warm white light globes for all overhead lights.

5. Drink

 If you are feeling stressed your immune system suffers and it is very difficult to lose weight.  Hydrating your body by drinking approximately 2 litres of good water everyday will reduce brain fog and help your elimination pathways and lymphatic system work far more efficiently.  As your body is more able to release toxins in a more hydrated state, your mind will follow along and you will feel calmer and clearer.

6. Affirm Your Worth

There are many factors that can give rise to stress in our lives including financial pressures, family responsibilities, work pressure, and environmental issues.  Most of us are dealing with one or more of these but we still have the power to choose our response.  Begin by affirming your own worth as a person.  Silently repeating this affirmation to yourself -  " I am worthy of love and appreciation " is a powerful way to take back the reins internally and start to feel more centred and grounded.  When you approach any challenge with a more empowered internal belief you are far more likely to be solution oriented rather than worrying more and seeing only obstacles.

7. Meditate

The benefits of meditation are too numerous to list and include lower blood pressure, better sleep, better mood and improved immune response to mention just a few.  Sadly many women still avoid it as a practise to really support their health and wellbeing.  There are numerous styles of meditation and it may take a few classes, teachers or cruising on the internet to find the right one for you but don't give up.  Meditation gives you the "helicopter view" of your life and situation helping you to feel empowered and in control of your life in a non-attached way.  

8. Work with Mantra

A mantra is essentially a gathering tool for the mind.  We are all chanting mantras even if we don't realise it.  But usually they are doing us more harm than good.  Most women's personal mantras include something like "I'm not good enough",  "I'm not attractive enough",  "I'm too old.......too fat etc etc.  These constant negative and repetitive thoughts can become there own self perpetuating reality if we continue to allow them to take hold in our mind.  It is true that we are powerful creators of our own reality so why not start silently chanting a positive mantra like "love" or "peace".  These simple words have a positive effect on our physiology, putting us into a more relaxed state.  Of course many powerful mantra's can be found in ancient Vedic texts and Chinese buddhist teachings, but we can also take a very simple approach.  We become what we chant so have a think about what you really want to be vibrating and change your mantra to something positive and uplifting.