The Micro Break
For a few seconds, close your eyes, unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders (let them drop towards the floor) and breathe out loudly. You can do it for longer but bear in mind that it's more effective to have several short breaks than one long one.
Release Your Anger
Stand up, take a cushion, close your eyes and imagine you are putting all your anger / tensions / annoyance into the cushion. Then breathe out loudly while throwing the cushion at the floor. Repeat twice more. On the third time, keep your eyes closed and experience your feelings. When you are ready, breathe out, rub your hands and open your eyes.
Goldfish Breathing
To release tension and energise the body, breathe in through the nose and open your mouth as wide as is comfortable. Exhale slowly and gently until the lungs are completely empty, and allow the inhale to come naturally. Breather normally for a few minutes, then repeat the 'open mouth' breath again. Do this four or five times, opening the jaw a little wider each time.
Happy Thoughts
Think of your happiest memory and visualise every detail - the place, sounds, smells and colours. Keep this at the forefront of your mind as you relax.
Good Housekeeping issue August 2013
