Alright, let's get real for a minute. Life can be a total rollercoaster, throwing curveballs at us left and right. From that bumper-to-bumper traffic on your way to work to waking up on the wrong side of the bed (literally!), it's easy to let stress take over. But guess what? You're not powerless. You have the superpower to take control and handle these annoying setbacks like a boss.

So, buckle up and get ready to embrace these five kick-ass habits that will bring more mindfulness into your life and kick stress to the curb!

1. Belly Breathing: A Chill Pill for Your Soul When stress hits hard, take a deep breath—literally. It's time to unleash the power of belly breathing. Drop those tense shoulders and focus on breathing deeply into your lower lungs. As you inhale, let that belly expand like a balloon, and as you exhale, feel it move back towards your spine. Ah, the sweet release! This magical breathing technique works wonders in reducing anxiety anytime, anywhere. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a calmer, more zen-like you.

2. Walk It Out, Mindfully Listen up, sunshine! Did you know that most folks spend a measly five percent of their day outdoors? That's not cool. It's time to break free from the four walls and reconnect with nature. Take a leisurely stroll, maybe with a cup of joe in hand, and let your senses come alive. Notice the vibrant colours, breathe in the fresh air, and soak in the symphony of sounds. A daily dose of nature will boost your mindfulness and fill your vitamin D tank. Oh, and don't forget your eco-friendly reusable cup for the ultimate eco-warrior vibes.

3. Phone Off, Fork On We've all been there: mindlessly munching away while scrolling through Instagram or binge-watching our favourite show. But hey, let's give our taste buds the attention they deserve. It's time to ditch the distractions and savour every bite of your Root Kitchen meal. Eating undistracted allows you to truly appreciate the flavours, textures, and nourishment of your food. So put that phone down, chew slowly, and relish in the deliciousness. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

4. Mind Games: Observe Your Thoughts Ready for a mind-blowing game? Pause whatever you're doing and become the ultimate thought detective. Observe those sneaky thoughts as they come and go. No judgement, just pure curiosity. What's popping up in that beautiful brain of yours? This simple practice of thought observation helps you distance yourself from negative thinking patterns and gain a fresh perspective. It's time to unleash the power of positivity and let your mind roam free.

5. Gratitude Diary: A Love Letter to Life Life's pretty damn awesome when you take a moment to appreciate it. And that's where a gratitude diary comes in. Grab a notebook and make a date with gratitude every day. Jot down the things that make your heart sing, big or small. It could be that first sip of coffee in the morning or a warm hug from a loved one. By focusing on the good stuff, you'll train your brain to see the beauty in the ordinary. So go ahead, unleash your inner gratitude guru and let the love flow.

By adopting these five kick-ass habits, you'll become a mindfulness ninja, slashing stress and embracing the beauty of the present moment. Remember, it's all about practice and having fun along the way. So, gear up, warrior, and get ready to kick stress's butt. You've got this!

We're always interested in hearing your tips so if you have any awesome mindfulness hacks, be sure to drop us a DM on instagram @rootkitchenuk if you have any gems that'll help us to lead a stress free life.