Life can get busy sometimes chaotic at times. You have countless responsibilities - bills to pay, deadlines to meet, nappies to change, papers to submit and gym workouts to commit to. You also have personal goals, a social life, relationships, and not to mention trying to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night!
And as the end of the year nears life can seem almost out of control. So take a step back and look after yourself. The next time you feel like you’ve had enough, check out our favourite ways to unwind and stay calm even under the most stressful circumstances.
1. Pour a Cup of Herbal Tea
Green tea is our go-to beverage when you just need some time for yourself. Not only does it offer a pleasant and calming smell, but it also contains L-Theanine, which has proven to reduce feelings of anger. Instead of chugging your fifth cup of coffee for the day, consider trying some green tea when things get hectic at the office.
2. Take a Bubble Bath
3. Bake a Cake
For THE WORLD'S HEALTHIEST CHOCOLATE CAKE checkout Health Chef, Teresa Cutter's amazing recipe. It is diary free, gluten free and even sugar free! 
4. Just Breathe
Even with nice weather and longer days we can still get stressed. So, when you feel the stress coming, take a moment to close your eyes and take a deep breath. Checkout the GIF below for a quick breathing exercise...It works!
5. Host a home movie night with popcorn and a DIY face mask
Easy snacks are a must when you’re hosting a movie night. Offer s’mores if you’re able to have a small outdoor fire, and wine and cheese for an adult party, and of course popcorn.
6. Go For a Walk Outside- Take Your Dog Too!
Science shows that placing one foot in front of the other leads to some seriously impressive mental and physical benefits.
7. Read a Magazine
No matter how much stress you have at work or in your personal life, it all just seems to slip away when you lose yourself in a great text. A well-written novel can transport you to other realms, while an engaging article will distract you and keep you in the present moment, letting tensions drain away and allowing you to relax.
One of our favourite Australian magazines is PEPPERMINT, which focuses on style, sustainability and substance. Covering slow food, ethical fashion, natural living, health and beauty, diversity, social entrepreneurs and more, it was created for the rapidly growing number of individuals who appreciate good design and creativity, but also care about social and environmental issues and things that matter. Check out their Instagram here.
We also love that each issue of Peppermint is printed in Australia on PEFC-certified paper at an FSC-certified printer and is 100% carbon neutral. This ties in with our own CONSCIOUS range by OLIVIA&CO. that is founded upon ethical and natural ingredients.
8. Light a Candle or an Oil Diffuser
If you've spent any time on the Internet lately, you know that essential oil diffusers are the newest trend, and for a good reason. According to scientific studies, essential oils have the ability to interact with the brain and the nervous system to impact mood and health. One of the easiest and most convenient way to achieve these incredible benefits is through aromatherapy. This is where concentrated oils are breathed in, allowing them to stimulate the olfactory system in the brain. We are obsessed with the warm diffuser from MILK AND LOVE, an Australian, Eco-Friendly Maternity and Baby Shop. Their Pink Aroma Snooze Diffuser and Sleep Aid which includes 15ml Snooze Essential Oil, is the perfect solution to help your baby/ toddler and whole family uniwnd and sleep.
9. Treat Yourself and Get Your Nails Done
The nail salon can be a phone-free zone and an enforced time-out. Break out your iPhone mid-mani and you’ll likely nick your nails or annoy the manicurist. 
10. Draw
