Stress is part and parcel of our modern existence. Unfortunately, we can't avoid the stress in real life.

We can still manage the stress, however, and an excellent stress-management tool is self-care.

Self-care means taking time out for yourself. Step back. Refresh. Relax. Recharge. Do you need some inspiration? Here are four ideas to get you started on your self-care journey:

1. Snuggle and sip

Make yourself some hot tea and snuggle up under a blanket. Hot drinks can't be guzzled. You have to take them slowly, one soothing sip at a time. Between sips, blow on your beverage and regain control of your breathing. Inhale the relaxing aromas of the tea. Adjust your blanket. A cosy chunky knit merino blanket is ideal for such an occasion.

2. Read a good book

Studies have shown that reading a good book can have an immensely calming effect. It slows down the heart rate and eases muscle tension, often in less than six minutes. And it doesn't matter what type of book you read. If you are captivated by the words on the page then your stress levels will drop.

3. Listen to music

Music soothes the savage beast, so they say. It's no secret that music actually increases our dopamine levels - the hormone that makes us feel good. Music also influences our heart rate. For a calming effect, try listening to music with a slower tempo - a bpm (beats per minute) of 60-80 works well because it's in line with our resting heart rate.

4. Make something with your hands

A creative outlet can do wonders for frazzled nerves. There are numerous arts and crafts projects out there. An excellent example is hand or arm knitting using Giant wool yarns. This wonderfully tactile activity is easy, fast and yields stunning results. There is a wide range of gorgeous colours to choose from and you can make a simple throw in a matter of days once you've mastered the basic skills.

Here  you can buy Chunky knit 100% merino blankets and throws as well as Giant merino wool always in stock, so you don't have to wait for weeks to get your order. Missing the colour or pattern you'd really like to have? It's not a problem, the pre-order is still available. Go Shop now so you can begin your self-care adventure ASAP.

xx