The ears are a surprising source of stress relief because they’re covered in reflex points. An ear massage otherwise known as ear acupuncture should be your first port of call and involves stroking them from the lobe to the top of the ear. Repeat the process three times. If you find the sensation of cleaning your ears oddly satisfying, you’re not alone and the reason for this again comes down to the various nerve endings and reflex points linked to the ear.

Over time meditation dissolves the stressed you and reveals the real you. It’s a breath of fresh air to experience freedom from the cage of the mind. So if you’ve got time to scroll through Instagram, watch Netflix or check your emails, you’ve got time to meditate. You simply need to say YES and take the next step. It can be done anywhere, anytime. When your practice is achievable, enjoyable and you’re seeing the benefits, you’ll look forward to it and naturally make it a priority. Whether you are heading to a meditation class and being guided in person or using the next best thing, a mediation app like Insight Timer, Headspace, or Aura you’re sure to get results. Maybe you’d like to get the little ones or the family involved – The smiling Mind app allows users to create separate accounts for loved ones so they can manage their tailored practice in the app. The common reason people stop meditating is that they think they’re doing it wrong. There is no right or wrong when it comes to mediation. The more you practice the deeper your connection to mind and body will be. Seeking out a meditation community is a great way to have a powerful space to support one another in creating new daily habits and allows us to hold each other accountable and enjoy the journey.

List your feel-good favourites and commit to a self-care schedule. You may think it’s selfish, instead see it as a personal promise to refresh, renew and reconnect with yourself each day. You’re not alone. You might be committing to alone time but you are not alone. Start your schedule by mapping out a list of things that make you feel good and have them handy to incorporate into your everyday life. Include simple practices for varied emotional states such as rest and relaxation, energy boosters and mindful time out. Variety is key, even for the most rigid of Mums. Some days this could mean a 5km run or unplug from technology; others simply having your cup of tea outside in the morning sunshine or unwinding with a candlelit bath in the evening. While enjoying meaningful moments throughout the day, allow time to express gratitude for them afterwards. Writing about your self-care schedule is caring in itself. It’s a beautiful way to express yourself and reduce the negative thoughts that can at times overpower our day.