Transitioning into the new season can bring many changes, but whilst life gets busy it’s important to stay relaxed. Here are our top tips for de-stressing this autumn…

STAY ACTIVE

Not only does regular exercise assist in preventing health issues such as high blood pressure, but it also helps you live longer, according to a study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Participants who exercised for 150 minutes or more each week lived around five years longer than an inactive group. Harkirat Garcha, CEO at personal training network MotivatePT, says that gentle exercise can work wonders: “Try walking anywhere that can be reached in less than 30 minutes. This ensures you exercise daily, getting your heart beating and boosting your cardio levels.” Alternatively, find an active hobby that gives you pleasure: “This can be a sport, such as tennis, or something recreational, like gardening,” says Harkirat. Our muscles also weaken over time. Weight training has been shown to keep us stronger for longer, and is particularly important for the core, as weakening muscles around the middle contribute to back pain, poor balance and a weakened spine. Yoga, Pilates, resistance training and weight lifting are all good preventative exercises.

Add some luxury to your workout wardrobe in this textured cowl neck sweatshirt with a curved hem. The cosy material and long sleeves keep you warm and makes the perfect outfit for the walk to the gym.

LEARN A NEW SKILL

While learning to play an instrument or speaking a new language may not sound relaxing, the effect it has on your mind can be. Stretching your brain is as important as stretching your body, and learning new skills helps to improve memory and focus. Dr Jenny Brockis, author of Future Brain (Wiley-Blackwell, £14.95), explains: “We are lifelong learners, always capable of adapting to change, encoding new memory, laying down new habits and patterns of thinking. Broaden the mental stretch with a variety of different activities, and keep raising the bar. The more we use our brain, the better it gets.”

Embrace laid-back style whilst you learn with this comfortable check shirt. The lurex fabric adds a subtle metallic shine to its versatile, subtle design. It’s easy-to-wear design is perfect for throwing on ahead of a busy day.

AVOID STRESS

Experiencing high levels of stress for long periods increases the risk of mental illness and depression, which can lead to cognitive decline. Studies suggest that as we get older, it can also affect our immune system and trigger the release of free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage cells and are responsible for ageing. Dr Brockis recommends that you find ways to counteract stress as soon as you recognise the signs: “These can range from soaking in a bath to having a massage, exercising and more sleep. Mindfulness has become popular recently, too, and studies show that 10-minute meditation sessions lead to a calmer mind, more capable of dealing with some of life’s curveballs.”

Stay comfortable and mindful in this casual sweatshirt in the prettiest print. With eye-catching colours and a floral design, it will brighten any outfit.

SLEEP WELL

Get to bed earlier. Improved sleep has been linked to increased energy, mental sharpness, skin repair and even aiding weight loss. Aim for seven to eight hours of shut-eye each night. Making your bedroom a haven of tranquillity will ensure you nod off in peace. Limit the amount of time you use technology in the lead up to bedtime. Your bedroom should be kept for rest and sleep. It should be neither too hot or too cold, and as quiet and dark as possible. And our last vital piece of advice? Keep some earplugs handy to block out the sound of your partner’s snoring!

This fun pyjama set features a cute sheep print certainly make bed time much more exciting!