1. Home 2. Lifestyle 3. Stress Lifestyle Revealed: 20 simple and surprising ways to beat stress without breaking the bank More than two-thirds of Brits admit to feeling stressed – with one in 10 ranking themselves “very stressed” - so here are some simple, surprising, cheap and scientific ways to chill out -- Lifestyle Simple exercises like pulling an ugly face can help relieve stress (Photo: Digital Vision) -- enough to tighten your stomach? Life can get pretty hectic and if you often find your stress levels rising, you are not alone. More than two-thirds of Brits admit to feeling stressed, according to a recent survey by Green Flag – with a huge one in 10 ranking themselves in the “very stressed” category. Transport delays, workload and bills were listed as the main causes. But while we’ve all come to accept a little bit stress is an unavoidable part of fast-paced modern life, it can trigger a whole host of health problems including depression, heart attacks, high blood pressure, infertility and IBS. So to mark National Stress Awareness Day tomorrow, experts reveal their simple, surprising, cheap and scientific ways to alleviate stress (without resorting to comfort food, alcohol or fags!) -- 2. Give yourself a belly rub Our bodies have certain pressure points that alleviate stress when massaged. “One of the most powerful is the gastric point,” says Neil Shah of The Stress Management Society. “It’s two or three finger widths down from your bottom rib, in line with your belly button. It’s quite sensitive. Using two fingers, gently massage it. The more you do it, the more stress you’ll relieve.” 3. Go a bit nutty When you’re under stress, your body and brain use up certain vitamins faster. Charlotte Watts, author of The De-Stress Effect, says nuts are a great source of nutrients – ones like B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and omega oils, which are all quickly used when stress strikes. Nuts also naturally balance blood sugar levels and have been shown to reduce sugar cravings, regulate appetite and support metabolism. Have a handful of almonds, walnuts or Brazil nuts mid-afternoon to keep stress-related cravings at bay. 4. Eat liquorice Liquorice helps support the adrenals – the glands that release stress hormones, and these can become depleted from too much sugar and caffeine. Charlotte adds: “Liquorice is great if you suffer energy dips -- Colouring is said to calm the part of the brain related to the fear/stress response while stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for creativity and logic. A 2005 study documented a reduction in anxiety in subjects after a short time of colouring geometric patterns. In fact, colouring therapy is being used for those with anxiety and stress-related disorders. Origami – folding squares of paper into various shapes – is just as -- calmly. “Singing and chanting can help our stress levels, but humming a catchy tune when you need some stress relief is a great emergency strategy,” says Charlotte. -- Studies indicate that listing things you’re grateful for decreases stress. The feeling of gratitude boosts the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, both associated with happiness and calm. Simply writing down five things you’re grateful for each day, can rewire your brain and have a dramatic effect on stress levels. Even small things like “fresh bed linen” or “enjoying a latte” are enough. Try a gratitude app: getgratitude.co -- For years, dentists and doctors have installed fish tanks in waiting rooms in the hope of calming stressed patients. But a recent study from the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth University and the University of Exeter, has shown for the first time that staring at swimming fish -- lightweight while helping muscles relax. Your body also absorbs the salts which helps replenish magnesium stores, a mineral that is reduced with stress. 11. Chuck stuff out Clutter causes people to feel oppressed, stressed and depressed , explains Dr Trisha MacNair, author of The Long Life Equation. It can raise your pulse, blood pressure and stress hormones, taking a negative toll on your health. -- Listening to Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major three times led to a significant drop in stress-induced anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure concluded a recent scientific study. “There is a neurological reaction to listening to music,” says Dr Catriona Morrison, a -- Classical music can quickly relax the nervous system but, rather than having it on the background, take five minutes to tune in when you feel stressed. Close your eyes and really immerse yourself in the sound. 13. Switch off -- and your device must be off – not on silent. Do this for your commute home, when you’re preparing the evening meal or when you’re soaking in the bath to effectively turn down your stress dial. 14. Get physical Act on the body's fight or flight stress response by going for a walk (Photo: Digital Vision) Try acting on the body’s fight or flight stress response by doing something physical, advises Neil. “Give your body what it’s anticipating. It’s the quickest and easiest way to release stress. That doesn’t mean you have to hit the treadmill, it could be a brisk walk around the block,” he says. -- devise coping strategies. Or check out Pencourage ( pencourage.com ), a new online journal that encourages people to get online and speak frankly, openly and honestly to relieve stress. Not only does voicing your thoughts have huge psychological benefits, the escapism of reading other entries can relieve stress, says consultant psychologist Dr Michael Sinclair. -- 17. Make an ugly face Stress creates a lockdown effect on the body with a tense jaw, headaches and teeth grinding common stress-related symptoms, explains Charlotte. -- 18. Live in the moment Stressed-out people always worry about what happens next in life, instead of enjoying the here and now, says Jerry Braza, author of Moment by Moment: The Art and Practice of Mindfulness. Ask “What am I -- Take a can of fizzy drink into the garden, shake it up and open it, advises stress expert and author Liz Tucker. “It’s such a silly, childish thing to do that it instantly shuts down your stress response and gets you laughing which provides a release,” she says. Or simply shout out loud. Sounds obvious but, says Neil, it’s a great way to let go of pent-up tension that causes stress. If you feel silly, cheer on your footie team for the same benefits. 20. Press to distress The middle of your palm corresponds to the solar plexus reflex point, -- More On * Mental health * Stress * lifestyle -- Chloe Boyle was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2012 [Young-woman-pulling-funny-face.jpg] DublinVideo of son acting the pup on Christmas Day to stress out Dublin mammy is gas This was surely happening all over the country on Christmas morning