Explore Stress Decompression Techniques with Craft 1861

Stress and physical and mental wellbeing have a direct correlation, and as part of our Mind YourHead campaign this Spring, we’ve been exploring pressure in the work place and its many implications.

Decompression techniques are crucial when managing stress, and with the help of Craft 1861, we’re highlighting four quick methods to help control our stress and keep our bodies and minds in balance.

We’ve tried and tested each and every one, most recently at the Berlin E-Prix, and now it’s your turn to find your flow state.

Morning Routine

·       Find a quiet, comfortable place with natural lighting to sit where you will be uninterrupted.

·       Close your eyes, visualise filling the centre of your body with oxygen. Breathe in deeply through the nose, and exhale slowly through the mouth. Repeat this four times.

·       Continue to breathe, deep and slow, and shift your visualisation to a singular intention for the day.

·       Open your eyes and start your day.

Mindful Minute

·       While standing or sitting, close your eyes. Be aware of your feet grounded on the floor.

·       Take a deep breath in, scanning your entire body up and down, from your toes to the top of your head, then back down again when breathing out.

·       Breathe deeply into your chest so your belly fills with air. Control the air as it slowly leaves your lungs.

·       Make breathing in and out your only responsibility. Listen to your breath. Feel it as it fills your lungs, and control it as your lungs empty.

·       Do this for one minute and then open your eyes.

Mindful Eating

·       Breathe slowly through your nose and honour your food. Acknowledge where it was grown and who it was prepared by.

·       Engage all your senses. Pause to notice the sounds, colours, scents, flavours and textures of the food, and how you feel when eating.

·       To avoid food waste and overeating, serve in modest portions and eat slowly. It’s best to stop when you are 80% full.

·       Savour small bites and chew thoroughly to slow the meal and thoroughly enjoy the food’s flavours.

·       Finish with a mindful minute of relaxed breathing before returning to your day’s activities.

Box Breathing

·       Breathe out slowly, releasing all air from your lungs.

·       Breathe in through your nose as you slowly count to four. Be conscious of how the air fills your lungs.

·       Hold your breath for a count of four, and exhale for another count of four.

·       Hold your breath again for a count of four, and repeat.

·       Do this for three to four rounds and welcome your body’s growing restive state with each cycle.

‍