1.  Take a time out.  Just five minutes alone time (whether that's standing outside in the sunshine or taking a breather in the staff room) can help you collect your thoughts and restore a sense of calm

2.  Or ...talk to someone! Sharing how you feel nearly always makes a difference.  But do choose your confidante wisely.  Approach someone who is naturally calm and measured, rather than someone who's reactions will feed your stress even more.

3.  Breathe it out.  By taking deeper, longer, slower breathes you'rephysically signalling to your nervous system to calm down.  Looking for techniques?  Try these breathing exercises for stress.

4.  Can't escape the shop floor?  Talk to yourself in your head in the third person.  Imagine what a friend would say to you - or indeed, what you would say to a friend if they were stressed - sounds a little bonkers but having a strong, positive inner- voice can make a difference.

5.  Press it out.  There's a pressure point in the webbing between your thumb and index finger that is said to reduce stress.  (FYI.  Apparently, it may also induce labour, so avoid if you're pregnant).  Apply firm pressure to this point for 4-5 seconds, breathing slowly and deeply.  Release and repeat.

6.  Stretch.  If you need a quick release, try the chest opener stretch.  It promotes proper posture, oxygen flow and importantly releases tension.  Stand, with your legs hip width apart, clasp your hands behind your back, squeeze your upper shoulder blades towards each other behindyou and push out through your chest.  Hold the stretch as you breathe in slowly, relax as you breathe our and repeat two to three times.

7.  Have a cup of tea. Sound like advice from the 1950s? True. But there’s a lot to be said for everyday calming rituals. The simple act of putting the kettle on, making a brew and drinking it, is soothing, comforting and reassuring in its familiarly.

8.  Go for a walk round the block. Even if you can only manage five minutes, the repetitive nature of putting one foot in front of the other, getting a quick change of scene and some fresh air, helps to rebalance.

9.  Listen to music. If you’re at work, plug in your headphones and take three minutes to listen to your favourite tune. At home or in the car? Sing the words as loud as you can. The principle behind it is mainly distraction (getting lost in the beats of a song you love helps to focus away from the stressful situation) and listening to something you enjoy is endorphin-releasing, making you happier. Music really can be therapy for the soul.

10.  Try progressive relaxation. This is a good technique if you’re feeling stressed or anxious at home and in particular, in bed, but you can do it seated if needed. Progressive relaxation involves tensing each part of your body, releasing then repeating to calm your mind and body. Start with your feet or hands. Tense for five seconds while inhaling, then relax while exhaling for ten seconds. Gradually work your way around tensing and relaxing each muscle group (arms, legs, bottocks, neck, shoulders).