Having Stress? Try these ......

Get active
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to tackle stress and burn up stress hormones. What's more, your body can fight stress better when it is fit. Aim for half an hour of brisk exercise five times a week, and make it fun by working out with a friend -- or two!


Say "om"
Learn and practise relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai-chi, which are a great way to de-stress. Through breathing fully and deeply, this helps the nervous system to calm down.


Cut your caffeine intake
When you're stressed, your body is already 'on edge' so you'll want to cut down on your consumption of caffeine and other stimulants. It is suggests swapping with a cup of soothing herbal tea, such as lemon balm and camomile. If you find it difficult to stay away from caffeine altogether, go for green tea, which also contains health-boosting antioxidants.


Get plenty of rest and breaks
Make sure you have enough sleep, as this is the time your body recuperates the quickest. But how much "ZZzzs" is optimum? Well, it's important to catch around 7 hours of sleep every night. In the day, take regular short breaks from your work by stepping away from the computer every hour or so to stretch and move around.


Aim to eat better
This will keep your body in the best shape to fight stress. Include more wholesome vegetables, fruits and whole foods, and drink plenty of water. Look to eat more vitamin B-rich foods, too, as these are known to help the body process stress hormones more efficiently. Sources include chicken, beef, liver, salmon, sardines, spinach, peas, broccoli, asparagus and whole grains.


Make time for hobbies
Doing something that you enjoy is a great way to wind down and lift your mood. Whether it's gardening, arts and craft, reading a novel, or just taking a long soak in the tub, set aside a little quiet time each day to indulge in your favourite activity and relax.


Seek help
If stress has become too much to handle, professional help and support can be very beneficial in reducing stress levels. This may involve seeing a psychologist or attending counselling sessions. You'll learn more healthy ways to deal with stress from the pros, and "anything that promotes your sense of wellbeing can help reduce your levels of stress.