Published: December 2024

I contributed to a Stylist article that explored how we can ease into holiday mode after a busy work season—something I often talk about with my clients during times of transition and rest.

One of the most effective ways to begin calming the nervous system is by using the breath. In the piece, I shared a simple but powerful tool: the physiological sigh. This technique stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the body’s relaxation response. It’s as simple as taking a deep breath and then letting out a loud, intentional sigh as you exhale—imagining the stress leaving your body. You can repeat this a few times to feel the effect.

Later in the piece, I also encouraged taking even just 10 or 15 minutes to engage in a calming act of self-care. A warm bath, a walk, or a bit of stretching can do wonders. These small actions signal to your brain and body that it’s safe to slow down, switch gears, and enjoy the time off. Movement, in particular, is a great way to bring your attention back to the present and out of the work mindset.

The nervous system doesn’t respond to logic—it responds to signals. Breath, rest, movement, and physical cues like warmth and comfort help you shift into a more restful, connected state. Especially over the holidays, giving ourselves space to reset is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Read the full article in The Stylist
"5 things to do after you shut your laptop that’ll help you properly log off this Christmas" by
Lauren Geall

Published: December 2024

Read the article on Stylist: www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/wellbeing/how-to-destress-log-off-work-christmas/949095