Have a laugh

Research shows laughter may have a healing effect by decreasing stress hormones that deplete your immune system. We know that repetitive laughing has some of the stress-relieving benefits of mild exercise: stretching muscles, burning calories and boosting blood flow. So, if you're stressed about money, work or relationships, laughter may be the best medicine. Switch on your favourite comedy programme or invite some friends over for a good laugh. Some studies show just anticipating having a laugh is enough to lower your stress hormone levels.

Pet the dog?

The Mental Health Foundation says the comfort and companionship of pets can help you live a happier mental life. Walking, stroking and caring for your pet can help fend off loneliness and depression as well as encouraging social connections. Research has shown petting your dog, even for just a few minutes, releases feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin, while decreasing the amount of the damaging stress hormones that are released when you're under pressure. However, not all research on pets is positive. A recent UK survey suggests pets can also increase your stress levels – with 54% of respondents claiming they lose up to 90 minutes of sleep a night because their pets wake them.

Clear the clutter

Are you a hoarder? Your clutter may be contributing to your stress levels, by invading your space and distracting you from what really matters. Experts say it is not just the big stressful events, like death or divorce that push your stress levels through the roof, it's the little things, like not being able to find your car keys, or a clean shirt for work. De-clutter to de-stress. Start with one drawer or counter at a time. An uncluttered space can feel cleansing, satisfying and restorative. Plus, cleaning is good exercise, burning up to 250 calories an hour.

Cut the lawn

It can be hard work, but mowing your lawn is apparently a great stress reliever. Scientists say chemicals from newly cut grass help block the release of stress hormones in the brain. In fact, any kind of gardening is therapeutic and can help reduce your stress levels, which is why researchers have found tending plants can promote overall happiness, so get out there and get your hands dirty!

Drink orange juice

Some sunshine in a glass may help you in surprising ways. Researchers say vitamin C may help people manage their stress more effectively, partly by lowering levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Also, vitamin C-rich foods like orange juice, grapefruit juice, strawberries or sweet red peppers can help maintain a healthy immune system.

Sing along

It may seem self-evident, but studies show that relaxing music can reduce stress and lower heart rate and blood pressure in both men and women. Singing can have the same benefits, whether you're crooning in the shower or joining in a sing-along at the local pub. You may be tone deaf, but studies confirm singing lowers your heart rate and boosts the release of feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Choir members who were surveyed said singing put them in a better mood and made them feel less stressed. Singing has also been shown to be beneficial in therapy for neurological conditions ranging from Parkinson's disease to autism. Singing is aerobic, so it's also good for your breathing and posture, as well as your heart and immune system.

Go for a walk

One of the best ways to beat stress is to get moving. The Stress Management Society says exercise also sparks the release of endorphins, the neurotransmitters in your brain that produce a sense of euphoria and wellbeing. It also forces you to concentrate and helps you forget what's causing your anxiety. Choose competitive activities you enjoy in warm weather for maximum benefits. But, just walking briskly for at least 30 minutes will meet daily exercise recommendations, and help to give you the stress relief you need.

Chew gum

Chewing gum is an exercise in relaxation according to some researchers. It's linked to lowering levels of perceived stress both at work and in everyday life. Studies suggest gum chewers are also less likely to:

• Feel depressed
• Smoke or drink as much
• Have seen a doctor for high blood pressure or high cholesterol

Other benefits include higher levels of alertness and improved performance of tasks.

Have sex

Passion may be the last thing on your mind when you're stressed out, but research suggests having sex is actually a great way to relieve tension. Scientific studies indicate sex lowers blood pressure in the long term, bolsters self-esteem and increases your feelings of intimacy with your partner. In fact, just hugging someone has been shown to lower blood pressure. It's also a great, natural sleep aid as a decent night's rest is often one of the first casualties of being anxious and stressed.

Breathe deeply

Inhaling fragrant aromatherapy oils can reduce stress and anxiety according to research. In one study, A&E nurses at a UK hospital were given aromatherapy and massage with music, which was found to significantly reduce their stress levels. Other research shows that smell is a sense with important links to behaviour. Essential oils like lavender, lemon balm or rosemary can put you into a more relaxed state by lowering your levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Just breathing deeply is also a stress reliever. Deep breathing oxygenates you, and helps your entire body stay calm and serene.

Related reading:

• 10 ways to help stop stress now
• Stress-reducing foods
• Stress quiz: How to prevent it
• Do you know how to handle stress and anxiety?
• Work and life quiz: Finding a balance
• Avoiding kids' homework stress