1. Exercise – Exercise has been proven to have a beneficial effect on a person’s mental and physical state. For many people, exercise is an extremely effective stress buster.

2. Assertiveness – Don’t say yes to everything. If you can’t do something well or if something is not your responsibility, try to seek ways of not agreeing to do them.

3. Nutrition – Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Try to have a healthy and balanced diet.

4. Time – Make sure you set aside some time each day just for yourself. Use that time to organise your life, relax and pursue your own interests.

5. Breathing – There are some effective breathing techniques that will slow down your system and help you relax.

6. Talk – Talk to family, friends, work colleagues, your boss or a counsellor. Express your thoughts and worries.

7. Seek professional help – If the stress is affecting the way you function, see your doctor. Heightened stress for prolonged periods can be bad for your physical and mental health.

8. Relaxation techniques – Talking to counsellors, meditation, massage and yoga have been known to greatly help people with stress.

• List 10 strengths (what you are good at or what others have said about you)
• Set realistic expectations
• Set aside perfection and reflect upon your accomplishments
• Explore yourself and open up to new things and people
• Be willing to adjust your own self-image
• Stop comparing yourself to others
• Dress well
• Practice good posture
• Compliment other people
• Speak up
• Be your own person
• Please yourself
• Avoid negative people
• Face your fears and learn from your failures
• Stop the negative thoughts
• Learn to appreciate yourself
• Reward yourself when you succeed