4 ways to unwind over the Easter break

Make self-care a priority this Easter break with these four simple methods.

The Easter break is approaching fast. While it’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family, it can also be a stressful time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or you just need a chance to refocus and catch your breath, here are four simple self-care methods to help you through this busy period.

It’s a simple activity, but walking comes with a raft of health benefits. To maximise the positive effects, aim for at least 30 minutes of activity at a brisk pace. (That is, quick enough that your breathing is accelerated, but not so fast that you can’t carry on a conversation.)

If possible, try and get away from an urban environment for your stroll. While all walking is good for you, research has shown that there are physical and mental health benefits to gain from reconnecting with nature (even if it’s just the local park).

If you’re feeling run down, or you’re dealing with a host of competing priorities, a simple meditation exercise can help to refocus your attention and re-energise you.

In recent years, mindfulness has become increasingly popular – and with good reason. Plugging into the present with mindful meditation is an effective means of lowering your body’s levels of cortisone (the hormone released in response to stress). 

If the prospect of Easter activity is stressing you out, or you need to recharge before returning to work, consider booking yourself a spa treatment. Having a little slice of luxury to look forward to can help mitigate the stress of a busy period, and ensure that you return to routine feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.

As an AIA Vitality member, you can receive up to 50 per cent off endota spa treatments if you make your purchase via the AIA Vitality portal. With massage, spa and beauty services on offer, there’s a host of options that are sure to replenish you.

Yoga doesn’t have to mean travelling to a studio to practise. If you’ve got access to the internet, then there are thousands of free yoga videos at your fingertips – ranging from five minutes to an hour (or longer).

If you find yourself in need of some recovery time, duck into a spare room, unroll a mat (or a blanket) and follow along with a video on your phone. A 2014 meta-analysis of research found that yoga promotes cardiovascular health through improvements to weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol – meaning it’s not only relaxing, it’s also heart smart.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.