As the year came to an end, I found myself interested in exploring different ways of approaching and managing the challenges that life often throws in our direction.

While at the public library during the holidays, I selected a book which examines well-researched and effective pathways to feeling calmer and reducing daily stresses. The book is called 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety & Boost Your Mental Health - Using Your Senses. The author, Megy Karydes is a communications professional just like myself. She teaches graduate-level communications courses at John Hopkins University.

Karydes' book is artfully broken down into 5 sections, each one covering a different sense. The insightful approaches and suggestions she broadly outlines aim to support feelings of well-being and the development of engaging in habitual self-care practices - which are not only helpful in the everyday but are directly transferable to assisting with coping with stress and anxiety when preparing for a high stake exam such as the NAC-OSCE.

My biggest take away from the book is that making work or study as enjoyable as possible improves my mood, my productivity and my overall attitude. Simple changes like hanging up some art that I love in my office, adding more plants and a fun notepad to doodle on my desk, enjoying a warm cup of fragrant cinnamon cardamom tea at 11am, painting my office in Sea Pearl and switching up the black out curtains for sheer ones have made the space more comfortable, relaxing and inviting - almost spa-like. Now, my work day feels quite serene.

Here are some my favourite strategies from the book:

Touch

- gardening / introduce plants into your space (your friends might have some clippings to share)

- doodling/ sketching, let your mind wander, there is no pressure create a masterpiece

- cleaning and organizing as a form of meditation

- use a weighted blanket (a hug works too)

- do a puzzle (many public libraries have some that you can borrow)

Taste

- adopt a slow food lifestyle, take time to savour and enjoy what you're eating

- create a ritual around the experience of eating and drinking, use dishware you love, dine outdoors

- reach for nutrient rich foods

Smell

- bake (these simple oatmeal muffins make the house smell divine)

- go for a walk outdoors, stop and smell the roses, take your time and engage all your senses

- add fragrant plants to your space

Hearing

- listen to some music that you love

- enjoy some storytelling (audiobook/podcast/chat with a friend)

- listen to birdsong

Sight

- spend some time in natural light

- engage all your senses when you're reading (light a candle, get a cosy blanket, enjoy a warm or cool drink, sit by the fireplace)

- introduce colours that make you feel calmer and relaxed. remove those that make you feel anxious

- stop to notice and enjoy some art (visit a museum or gallery, explore local street art)

- engage in a creative project

- set healthy boundaries surrounding your social media, email, and internet usage.

- daydream, do nothing for a time

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