Relaxation techniques

Close your eyes and breathe deeply into your rib cage. Shrug your shoulders up to your ears and then let them drop down to relieve the tension.
Press together a finger and thumb on either hand. Breathe in through your nose and hold your breath for a few seconds until you start to feel slightly uncomfortable. Breathe out through parted lips and release the tension in the finger and thumb. You should feel a wave of relaxation spread from your head to your toes.
Focus on a simple task that requires your full attention - juggling, throwing paper balls into a bin from a distance - anything that takes your mind off the things that are making you feel stressed.
Close your eyes and imagine a scene, sound, smell or sensation - running water, birds singing, waves crashing on the shore, the smell of freshly cut grass or the warmth of the sun on your face. Breathe deeply and enjoy the mental image for a while. When you're ready to return to what you were doing, slowly open your eyes, stretch out and drink a glass of water.
Place your hands on either side of your rib cage and close your eyes. Gently breathe in through your nose and allow your rib cage to expand outwards. Breathe out through your nose or mouth and push gently on your rib cage, making the exhalation as long as possible.
Lie back and listen to a relaxation cd or a chillout compilation.

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