I managed to get away at the weekend, from a bustling and stressful city to a peaceful and calming village. All I did was walk two dogs, watch my favourite TV series, chat with positive people and drink wine.

If you need a tip to increase your well-being, decrease stress and anxiety and avoid depression, this is is such an obvious one. Particularly if you live in a city, make a plan to get away to the countryside once in a while. Long walks around animals and nature are good for you physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

If you cannot get away for a whole weekend, look for local nature reserves or parks you can head to for an hour or two. But I urge you to make time this year to book a weekend or two away – you need and deserve this time to relax and rejuvenate somewhere peaceful.

Even better if you can find a dog to take away with you! Spending time stroking a pet has been proven to reduce stress and fight depression. Ask friends or family if you can borrow one for a walk, or try one of the new Apps such as ‘Borrow my doggie’.

Nature and animals = massive stress and anxiety relievers!!