Your ultimate guide to beating stress

Tackle that tension

These tried and tested techniques can be used any time, anywhere.

Release tension in your shoulders and arms Link your fingers and reach forward, with your arms at shoulder level, pushing your palms away from you. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then repeat three to five times.

Relax a tight neck and shoulders Bring your shoulders up to your ears hold for five seconds, then slowly relax. Repeat five to 10 times.

Stretch your neck muscles Look straight ahead and tilt one ear gently towards your shoulder. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat three to five times on each side.

Stretch your back Place the heel of your hands on your lower back. Arch backwards gently, keeping your head and neck steady. Hold for up to 30 seconds. (You should never overstretch. Stretch only to the point where you feel comfortable.)

Five-minute fix:
Try this quick tension reliever from massage and stress expert Robert Thé: Put the tips of your index and middle fingers together and place them, facing each other, in the middle of your forehead. Gently separate them, fanning and smoothing your forehead in the process. Return to the centre and repeat five times. Then use the pads of your fingers to massage your forehead: make small circles and work across your forehead in parallel lines. Then use your index fingertips to press firmly between your eyebrows in line with your nose. Finish by gently patting your forehead and temple regions to re-energise yourself.