Rest, relax, and recharge. Make time for meditation, pick up a book to brighten your day, and marvel at the world around you

1. Page-turners

Kind Words for Unkind Days

Written by Jayne Hardy, founder and CEO of The Blurt Foundation, this book is a practical pick-me-up for life’s tough days. Filled with advice and encouragement to help you find brightness in the darkest of times, Kind Words for Unkind Days will help you feel happier, healthier, and calmer.

Out 12 Nov, Orion Spring, £12.99

2. Out and about

Beautiful birds

Birdwatching can be a great way to connect with nature, and you don’t need to go further than your own garden – or even just looking out of your window! Leave the distractions behind, find a quiet spot and stay very still. Note down the birds you can spot, and learn more about them with the help of the RSPB bird identifier.

Visit rspb.org.uk to find out more

3. Put on a show

Meditation

With our brains constantly in overdrive, it can be hard to carve out 15 minutes to find some quiet. Setting aside time to meditate allows us to enjoy a sense of calm. If you struggle to switch off, a guided meditation can help give you something positive to focus on. Try our 10-minute loving-kindness meditation on YouTube.

Search ‘Happiful’ on youtube.com

4. Lend us your ears

‘How Do You Cope?’

We all have different ways of coping through stressful times, and there’s a lot we can learn from one another. Radio presenters and comedians, Elis James and John Robins, talk to guests about the challenges they’ve faced in their own lives, to help remind us we are not alone in our struggles.

Listen to the podcast on iTunes

5. Plugged-in

Liz and Mollie

Friends, and authors of No Hard Feelings, Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy, explore the ups and downs of emotions at work. Their illustrations are a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself through the challenges of your professional life.

Follow @lizandmollie on Instagram

6. Tech Tip-Offs

Breathwrk

Breathing exercises can be a powerful tool to help alleviate stress. Breathwrk allows you to select the areas you want to focus on, from reducing anxiety, to falling asleep. The app walks you through your recommended breathing exercises, and sends you daily reminders to practise your breathing.

Download from the App Store

7. Square eyes

Our Planet

If you’re looking to switch off after a stressful day, what better way than to listen to the soothing voice of Sir David Attenborough as you marvel at the natural beauty of the world. Our Planet reminds us all that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, and we have a duty to protect it.

Available on Netflix

8. Treat yourself

Scentered De-stress Therapy Balm

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to help encourage rest and relaxation. The Scentered De-stress Therapy Balm is blended with chamomile, neroli, and mandarin. Perfect to carry in your bag and use throughout the day to stay calm and in control.

£14.50, shop online at scentered.me

9. The conversation

International Stress Awareness Week

With the uncertainty this year has brought, stress has affected us more than ever. The theme of this year’s Stress Awareness Week is managing stress and mental health in the age of Covid-19. It’s time to highlight the problems stress can bring, and share insights from around the world.

2–6 November, visit isma.org.uk

10. Get going

Move your body

Dancing to music from a happy time and place in your life can help you wave your worries goodbye. If you need some inspiration to get you started, dancer Jessie Diaz-Herrera shares uplifting body positive workouts you can follow while you shimmy your stresses away.

Search ‘Curves With Moves’ on youtube.com