» Mail This News To Friend
» Post Your Comment
» Read Reader's Comments
Take time out - When you realise you are starting to feel stressed, stop what you are doing and inwardly say 'calm' to yourself.

Control your breathing - Take a deep breath in and let it out slowly, concentrating on the movement of your diaphragm. Do this two or three times until you start to feel more in control.

Stretch out the tension - If you are sitting down, stand up and gently stretch to your fullest possible extent. Shake your hands and arms briskly, then shrug your shoulders and relax them again.

Eat healthily - Eat a healthy diet and don't be tempted to skip meals. Have healthy snacks to hand such as dried or fresh fruit, or wholemeal biscuits to help maintain your blood sugar levels.

Assert yourself - Learn to be more assertive. Saying 'no' to unreasonable demands will help to reduce the pressure you are under.

Keep laughing - Watch a comedy, have a laugh with your friends, or visit a website specialising in corny jokes - laughter is a wonderful antidote to stress

Get moving - Go for a brisk walk, even if it is only briefly around the room or to the bathroom, to help get your circulation going again. Regular brisk, non-competitive exercise helps to burn off the negative effects of stress hormones.

Scream and shout - Go somewhere private and groan or shout as loudly as you can. This can be very therapeutic. Some people find it helpful to punch a soft cushion as hard as possible.

DID YOU KNOW� Women who are stressed are twice as likely to have painful menstrual periods as those who are not.