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Stress is a facet of life in the 21st Century. However, you don’t have to be a victim of it. There are many ways to combat stress. Here are six easy ways you can begin taking control of stress in your working life.

You can practise these techniques at your desk (if you have one), whilst you are working or even when you go to the bathroom! You choose. The techniques are simple, effective and are designed to revitalise you throughout your working day.

1. Take a short break and listen to some soothing music. If you work on a computer, or have internet access on your mobile, try tuning in to one of the radio stations like sky.fm and selecting some jazz or classical music to listen to for 10 minutes.

2. Go for a walk and get some fresh air for 10 minutes. This benefits you in four ways: 1) it gets you out of the workplace; 2) it gives you a change of scenery; 3) it gets you exercising and 4) it de-stresses you. When you get back into the workplace you’ll often find your mindset has shifted and you can focus more effectively.

3. Relax. Sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor. Slow your breathing down, and begin relaxing your whole body starting with the top of your head. Work your way down your face, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Relax your back, chest, abdomen and mid-section. Relax your thighs, knees, calf muscles, feet and toes. Then relax your whole body. This is a powerful technique you can do at any time, and many times a day – even whilst you’re working.

4. Breathe. Take a long, slow breath in through your nose, hold for three seconds then breathe out slowly. Ensure your breathing is deep, steady and through your abdomen. On each exhalation relax your body and release all the stress and tension in your body. Continue breathing like this for 20-30 breaths. At the end of this technique you should feel fresher, less stressed and more alert.

5. Have a cup of herbal tea, sit back and relax for 10 minutes. Camomile tea is a good choice that helps to relax the body. Avoid caffeine as this will increase any feelings of stress that you may be experiencing. Herbal teas also hydrate you and flush toxins out of the body, helping you to feel better in yourself, happier and less stressed.

6. Give yourself a hand massage. Similarly to your feet, your hands contain nerve endings, which when massaged, condition the whole body. You can massage your hands with our without cream. Massaging your hands for between five and ten minutes revitalises your body and mind, and helps you to function more effectively.

Try one, a few or all of the above techniques and see how effectively you can combat stress in your workplace.