1) Avoid stimulants when under stress, nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.



We all seem to turn to coffee, cigarettes and alcohol when we are under stress, but this should be the last thing you should do as stimulants step up your anxiety levels making

it harder for you to cope with stress feelings and more difficult to calm down until the stimulants in your blood stream have dissipated. Water or a glass of fruit juice is all you need to keep yourself hydrated.

2) Exercise or physical activity is a great way to reduce stress levels.

Pressure or anger releases adrenaline in the body. Exercise helps to reduce it, and produce the‘good mood’ hormone, serotonin in the brain. If you don't like activity sport a brisk walk when you feeltense is all you need.

3) Relax with a stress reduction technique every day.

Try guided relaxation or self-hypnosis – they are very easy to be do and can be done in virtually any surroundings.

If things are tough, each time you feel yourself losing control, just mentally re-hearse statement "Calm" as you breath in and "Relax" as you breath out. Repeat this for 6 to 10 times for times a day or just before you have to go into a meeting or talk to your spouse or kids and you will be surprised at the impact it will have

.

4) Get enough sleep.

Sleep is essential for the body to function properly. Sleeping pills are not necessary. If you’ve habitually skimped on sleep, you probably won’t even remember how it feels to wake up fully rested. Give yourself a week before assessing whether there is a change.

5) If you’re ill, rest.

Don’t just carry on regardless. Recognize when your under the weather and give yourself a break.

6) Agree with somebody; even for the sake of peace and you will be amazed at the effect it can have. Try to take yourself out of the battle ground and don't 'sweat the small stuff'.

7) Learn to accept what you cannot change.

A well known prayer asks for the serenity “to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". This philosophy will help you avoid unhappiness, cynicism and bitterness.

8) Listen to your body.

When you are tired, hungry or thirsty, do something about it. Also recognize stress and anger in your day and counter it immediately with a brisk walk, ten minutes’ in deep relaxation or whatever works for you.

9) Learn how to say ‘No’!

Simple, but effective little "no" when appropriate is an amazing time management technique. Where a ‘no’ is the appropriate response, say it without guilt.

10) Manage your time.

Take one thing at a time. Don’t overdo things. try and simplify your life when you can rather than multi-task it, as this only leads to stress overload