Stress busting fitness tips

'One of the eight principles of the Pilates method is breathing. By focusing properly on your breathing you can immediately alleviate stress,' says Robinson. 'Pilates works on a completely different level to any other exercise. It actually changes the way you use your body and the way that you move.'

The result of this, says Robinson, is greater freedom of movement and a more efficient circulatory and lymphatic system. All of which adds up to a body that is better able to cope with everyday stresses.

By practicing Yoga, says Currie, you will be able to relieve tensions that may have been lingering for ages. 'Life has reached such a hectic pace that it's not surprising that more people are suffering from stress,' she says. 'We are walking around with muscles in a clenched together, tightened state, which affects us both mentally and physically.'

Feeling fed-up and hassled? Got a headache and tense shoulders? These sample stress-relieving exercises will help:

1. Standing tall, lift your head up and back so that you stretch your neck. Slowly turn it to the right and then to the left. Dip your head and return to looking straight ahead.
2. Slowly rotate your head in a clockwise and then anti-clockwise direction.
3. Take your shoulders back as far as they will go. Lift your left shoulder and relax it down again. Now swap and lift and relax your right shoulder.
4. Swing your right arm slowly in a full circular movement to free the shoulder. Swing your left arm in the same way.
5. Raise and relax both shoulders. Repeat ten times.
6. Put your right hand over your right shoulder and touch your left shoulder blade. Repeat with your left hand to your right shoulder.

Feel better now?