If you often find yourself struggling with the effects stress has on your physical and emotional well-being, here are five steps for stress relief.

1) Admit to yourself that something is stressing you out, as this is the first step in letting go of it. By acknowledging that an extra activity is putting more added stress on an already hectic lifestyle, you can balance out the pressures and make decisions that are right for you.

2) If you’ve just had a huge argument with your boss, or your son’s school called to discuss his habit of jumping around in the classroom, then just laugh. When you’re stressed, even the smallest annoyance is one more added pressure that you didn’t want, so forget about it for a while. Grab a good friend or family member and watch a funny movie together, because more laughter means the more mood enhancing endorphins you’ll produce.

3) You should be getting 7 to 8-hours of sleep every night, because if you’re already exhausted when you go in to work, you’ll be less likely to be able to handle more stress.

4) Having small children and sleeping through the night might not be possible, so if you are at home, try napping when they do, as even half an hour will do wonders for your stress levels, and your patience.

5) Do something that makes you feel good; Get a massage, buy a new novel and read it when everyone else is asleep, do some exercise, dine out and have a few drinks with your best friend, watch a movie or whatever brings else brings you happiness.