16.01.2015- Life Lessons: Stress Less (..or trying to!)

With all the hubbub and humdrum which the start of a new year brings with it, there's no doubt that things can get pretty stressful. Whether you're settling into a new fitness routine, are struggling to adjust to getting back into the swing of things after the Christmas break, or are just counting down the minutes until payday, January seems to be one of the worst months for feeling down/getting stressed/being tired/all of the above. So, with that in mind, I've made a conscientious effort to be kinder to myself this year- less pressure, more easy going- you get the gist. Easier said than done, however, with day to day events which threaten to send you into Hulk mode (train delays, I'm looking at you!), so I've put together a little selection of tip top essentials which are real relaxation must haves:

As one of my goals for the year ahead is to read more, I'm a definite believer in getting lost in a good book to help you relax. Whether it's a classic like Pride & Prejudice, or something with an artier feel (like the Kate Spade book which I'm working my way through at the moment), making some time to turn off your technology and enjoy a good page turner is a really effective way of winding down at the end of the day. Another instant relaxation aid comes in the shape of the This Works Deep Sleep Duo, which the lovely Hannah got for me for Christmas. The aromatherapy pillow spray is a real treasure, and it's completely surprised me in terms of how much of a difference it's made to my quality of sleep. The accompanying rollerball is also super soothing, so well worth trying out if you've been having some sleepless nights of late.

I don't know about you, but at the end of a busy day, one of the things which I look forward to the most is treating my skin to a good old cleanse. I'll be posting about a new skincare saving discovery soon, but, until then, I'm more than content to sing the praises of a dynamic go to duo, which I tend to reach for religiously a few times per week. The Jurlique Rosewater balancing mist is something which I use regularly to pep up my skin and give it an instant injection of moisture, and it's brilliantly soothing for when I'm feeling tired, stressed, or am having a bit of a flare up. Aesop's Parsley Seed Antioxidant Serum has been a firm favourite of mine for a good few years now, and in my books, it's something of a miracle worker. Definitely worth investing in if you feel in need of some midwinter tlc!

What are your favourite stress busters?

(Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)