from time to time i find myself letting the little (and the big) things in life get on top of me.

i have been feeling particularly anxious and stressed out in recent weeks – which is never a nice place to be.

when anxiety levels kick up a number of notches i have a few tried and tested remedies to help steady the heart rate and make sleepless nights tossing and turning a thing of the past.

although i run and weight train at the gym most days i turn to bikram or hot yoga when i’m in need of a drastic endorphin boost.

given that most studios offer some great introductory offers there’s no reason not to try it, and once you do give it a go you will be wondering why you didn’t sooner.

performing yoga in heat of around 40 degrees deepens your stretches, improving flexibility,  will get your heart pumping, and don’t be alarmed when the sweat starts to pour – just think of all the toxins you are flushing out of your body. i leave a class dripping.

holding poses, and constricting blood flow to your muscles means a fresh supply full of oxygen floods to the areas once the postures are released. endorphin-central. think of it as a great big hug for your body, and more importantly for your mind.

i have been visiting yoga haven in clapham old town in recent weeks and have been left seriously impressed and considerably calmer.

if you don’t live south of the river there is also a studio up in islington and the company also have spots in brimingham and brighton. it costs £25 for 20 days of unlimited yoga to help you get your ommmmm on. as well as hot yoga the studio also offers yoga with weights, astanga and pregnancy yoga – there’s lots to try.

the venue also stocks my absolute favourite fitness-wear brand lululemon, it’s a canadian company with very few uk stockists, so you can pick up an outfit to look the part too.

the studio at clapham is clean and spacious, the staff are friendly, the instructors are knowledgable – it’s a most hassle free and therapeutic experience. even though you can’t book in advance, unless you do so online, there has always been a spot available for me.

i’ve also visited hot bikram yoga in fulham in the past. the classes are slightly tougher and the studios are hotter so i wouldn’t only recommend if you are a total newbie.

if you are looking for a little bit of calm, a challenging workout and some time to yourself i seriously cannot recommend hot yoga enough. give it a try – you will thank me i promise.

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