Reset your mind FOR 2026

Getting your busy brain in shape can help your year get off to a good start

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Packed away the presents and scrubbed your home from top to bottom? A new year is the ideal time to give your head a refresh too. In the same way a messy house can hold you back, an overwhelmed brain can slow you down and ramp up stress levels. 'Having a cluttered mind can be debilitating and leave us feeling unfocused and anxious,' says lifestyle coach Irene Moore. Try these tips to help lighten your mental load.

Do 'beditation'

Levels of the stress hormone cortisol are at their highest during the first hour after we wake. But beditation - meditating in bed - can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. 'It requires little effort and can be done within moments of waking,' says leadership coach Laurence Shorter.

TRY THIS

When you open your eyes, don't react to the voice in your head rattling off responsibilities. Slow your breathing and ask yourself, 'What are my priorities today? What's important?'. The secret is not trying too hard - by giving your brain space to think, you'll identify creative solutions that help you feel composed for the day ahead.

Be more decisive