If you do nothing else………………………. Escape into Nature to calm your nervous system

Go forest bathing. The Japanese believe in a comfort instinct they call shinrin-yoku, which translates literally as ‘forest bath’. Put simply, forest bathing is about spending time among trees. Experts say that trees emit essential oils, or phytoncides, which are their natural protection from germs and insects and might even be part of the way different trees communicate with each other.

One study found that time spent among trees leads to lower cortisol levels, reduced pulse rate, and lower blood pressure. Another found that phytoncides can reduce stress levels, increase the quality of our sleep, improve our mood and wellbeing, lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety and increase heart-rate variability.

If it’s difficult to get to a forest or wood,  similar benefits can come from engaging with a single tree, house plants or even using essential oils such as cypress, which contain phytoncides. But there are few things more relaxing than strolling through woodland – so see if you can find some to escape to this weekend, especially if temperatures rise and you need that shade.