The effects of stress can radically change your life so if you're in need of stress relief, it's important you understand how you can manage the problem.

Start by giving yourself some breathing space by taking a day away from anything that you feel puts pressure on you.  If you're experiencing stress in the workplace, take a day off work; if you're experiencing stress at home, forget the chores and go away for a day. 

If you feel your family are demanding too much of you, put some distance between you by going out alone. If your children are young and a babysitter isn't available, try taking them out into a different environment as a change of scene often helps.

Stress management - the golden rules 

Put in place some golden rules to avoid stress becoming a problem.  The following are all practical ways of managing the things that cause stress.  Following these simple rules will help you avoid a stress reaction:

Know you own capabilities and understand your limits

Don't stretch yourself too far or accept impossible targets

Learn to ask for and accept help

Learn to say no - As hard as it can be to believe, most people will respect your need for personal time away from responsibilities

Do something you enjoy - breaking up chores and responsibilities with 'play' time is a prerequisite for good, mental health.

Let off steam in a way that causes no harm to others.

Punch pillows or scream and swear in an empty room

Choose your friends wisely - supportive people are far more valuable as friends than those who are critical and judgmental

Productive anger 

Stress can often make us angry, sometimes even abusive towards those around us and especially those we love.  Anger should always be  expressed in an assertive rather than an aggressive manner.

Holding in your anger is never a good thing as you'll eventually let it out in a way that may damage you or people you love and care for.

Damaging ways of expressing anger can include:uncontrolled fit of temper, getting at people indirectly without them understanding what they've done or who's behind their problems; turning it in on yourself - a situation that often leads to depression and high blood pressure

Relaxation strategies

Relaxation is one of the best stress management techniques as it not only deals with the stress you're already experiencing, but can help ensure you avoid dangerous levels of stress in the future.

Develop a strategy that works for you but in order to achieve total relaxation you could try the following technique:

Lie down or sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet and undisturbed space with your eyes closed

Tense each part of your body and then allowing it to relax emptying your mind of all thoughts

If thoughts come into your mind just listen to your breathing and focus breathing in and out

Visualize a scene of peace and serenity with yourself as part of it