From magnesium baths to rock painting, 11 Aussie women share what they do to deal with stress.

Despite how it can come across on social media, self care doesn’t have to be complicated.

In fact, it’s the little rituals and habits that you can do regularly that work best.

Whether it’s a full-on work schedule, or (at times) overwhelming family routine, the stressful factors of modern-day living can build up and we need easy, accessible strategies to get back to our normal, kick-arse selves.

So, we asked 11 women to share the go-to stress-busting things they do when they need a replenishing dose of TLC. We hope it inspires you a little!

Jess W

There’s nothing more relaxing than a hot bath at the end of the day to ease away any tension and stress in my mind and body. I love amping up the effectiveness of my soaks with magnesium salts like EpZen’s Magnesium Bath Crystals (Relax) (which you can get at some Coles supermarkets, Priceline and TerryWhite Chemmart).

The 100 per cent essential oil blend of Rosewood, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Frankincense and May Chang smells heavenly and leaves me feeling instantly relaxed. Magnesium is known to be a wonder mineral that can help with muscle relaxation and improve the quality of your sleep, and it’s best absorbed by the skin, so I’m doing it right.

Baths in magnesium salts also complement my other favourite wellness hero – hiking – and there’s nothing like doing both on a Sunday to set me up for the week.

Teena

I iron clothes and watch Netflix with a candle and champagne. Everyone but me loathes ironing but I find it very therapeutic!!

Barbe

House to my self. Dancing silly. Mask on face and hair! Puts a smile on my face for the rest of the day!

Zoe

I do yoga. I always feel so good afterwards. I've stretched my body, which helps with aches and pains (especially because I work at a desk), [and] I've worked up a sweat and I always feel calm and relaxed after the meditation. Also, at most classes the teacher will focus on a theme throughout that relates to mental well-being.

Kiri

I take time out to breathe properly. Practising focused breathing 20 to 30 minutes each day can work wonders in reducing stress and anxiety, and I find I'm able to get through the stressful periods of running my own business this way. I also go to the gym, eat well and do a whole heap of other things!

Jessica

I recently took up pottery! These are my first masterpieces. It’s like meditation with a gift at the end.

Chloe

I’ve never been good at art but definitely like doing it. Recently I’ve found the perfect solution - adult colouring! It’s so relaxing but fun at the same time. Plus I can do it while listening to a podcast, or my favourite playlist, and drink tea or do a face mask at the same time!

Belle

I rock paint (and participate in hiding and finding them). It's been great as a way to de-stress. I have my station set up next to me in the lounge room by the couch so I can watch TV and paint. It's been great for my mental health.

Fiona

Clean the house - clean house, clean mind. Then listen to a podcast and go for a gym session and do a face mask in the evening. If it’s been a really tough week, getting my car cleaned or getting my nails done always helps. Praying, meditation or doing mindfulness (whatever your thing is) before bed, also helps.

Anne

I like taking my dogs out for a long walk on an off leash area, going out for coffee with friends, and not doing anything at all, by purposefully planning to not do any housework or cooking!

Sian

With two kids under two I find it hard to make time for myself, but, I like to make the effort to do my proper skin care routine both morning and night and also make time to go to the gym three times a week. I use this time to listen to podcasts and have some time out for myself.

What are your favourite stress-busting self care strategies? Tell us in a comment below.