Health in a hurry: With a hectic, hurried lifestyle, one way of dealing with the effects of stress is to pay for a good massage. In the long term, the best way is to learn how to relax and not to have to rely on someone else for help.
Caroline McGrath, deputy chief executive officer of Mental Health Ireland, says that taking time out and relaxing is the key to ensuring mental health, which she defines as being far more than the absence of mental illness. It is a balance of all aspects of life - social, physical, spiritual and emotional.
So how can you relax when in a hurry?
Better than nothing: Even if you are in the middle of a hectic day with pandemonium all around, feel good about taking a five-minute break, whether you're a smoker or not. Cigarettes shouldn't be necessary in order to justify a quick break outside or a wander to another part of the building.
One step better: Use those precious five minutes to practise a simple relaxation technique. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath, while breathing in and out through your nose. As you focus, even for a short while, your mind can take a break from the day's stresses.
Chilling out: Make a dedicated time for relaxation (at least 20 minutes every day), other then in front of the TV or in the pub. Combine it with daily exercise, meeting up with friends or being creative. How about dancing or drawing?
Stress free: Laugh! Release those happy hormones and bring a smile to someone's face.
Iva Pocock