Taking time out to relax is essential for your mental and physical health

1. Say ta-ta to technology
Switch off your mobile and leave the Blackberry in your briefcase. It’s easy to forget how wonderfully liberating it can be to be totally out of reach.

2. Re-connect with the people who matter
Losing yourself with friends, family and partners can remind you of what’s really important and offer some perspective on life.

3. Put yourself first
Do something you really want to do, even if it’s only for an hour. The sense of escape can be hugely calming.

4. Have a good laugh
A few hours spent laughing will release endorphins, relax your muscles and boost your batteries.

5. Do something physical
Don’t panic, it doesn’t have to be the treadmill: gardening, walking in the fresh air or swimming can be meditative and totally refreshing.

6. Try a random act of kindness
The old adage that ‘to help others is to help yourself’ holds true. Spread a little feel-good fairydust by doing something nice for someone.

7. Rediscover reading
Shut out the real world and forget your worries: a good book can uplift, inspire, engage and just plain entertain you, clear some time to curl up and wind down.

8. Stop thinking and take action
Stress makes you feel blocked and unable to act. Adopting a positive mantra attacks the projects weighing on your mind. The relief afterwards will be immense.

9. Don’t sweat the small stuff
Striving for perfection at work, home, or with your appearance all adds up to one big ball of stress… and disappointment. Prioritise what’s important, plan some goals and let the rest go.

10. Visualise something relaxing
When stress bites, use a creative visualisation technique: picture a place or occasion where you were happy and focus on it. This should fortify you and bring confidence flooding back.