DIY healthcare: de-stress

Many things including diet, sleep and emotions trigger stress, least of all is work. It is impossible to be impervious to it but there are little things you can do throughout the day to shrug off the day's little stresses.

The best way is to unplug and spend your midday break outdoors or at a yoga class but if that isn't possible here are a few desk-friendly options:

The two-minute stress release created by The Association For Meridian Therapies (AMT) offers a quick reminder to take deep breaths with a simple technique: http://theamt.com/stress/gifplay.htm

Hypnokit, an iPhone application that can help you reduce stress and take your mind away from your cube to exotic beaches and much more. ($2.99/€2.39)

Also internationally renowned mind, body, spirit guru and author Deepak Chopra released his latest edition of Stress Free, a not free ($2.99/€2.39) iPhone application in June.

Additionally, online games may relieve stress say numerous psychologists including Deepali Batra, M. Phil. (CIP Ranchi) MA, MIACP, a senior consultant clinical and child psychologist at Batra Hospital & Medical Research Center in New Delhi, India.

Batra told Inter Asia News Service (IANS) in June "... we advise professionals to take a short break and play some online games. This can improve their focus and output," but also cautioned "a balance must be maintained between work and play. And even while playing online games, one should play more of puzzles and quizzes.

Particle Rain is a newer game (May) that was designed to aid in relaxation, might be an option if you are do not have a screen devoted to go-to games already on your iPhone ($0.99/€0.79).

Just make sure if you opt to play a game for 20 minutes or so that you set a timer, so it doesn't create more stress by getting you behind in work.

DiscoveryHealth.com, a companion site to the North American health television channel Discovery Health, recommends 14 ways to change your thinking and tools to cope with life's larger stresses:

1. Be realistic
2. Shed the superman/woman costume
3. Don't look too far ahead
4. Be flexible
5. Take time-outs
6. Exercise
7. Lead a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition
8. Tap into your spirituality to find peace of mind
9. Go easy with criticism
10. Communicate
11. Get a massage
12. Volunteer
13. Consider counseling
14. Eat chocolate

Also July 23 is Australia's LifeLine Stress Down Day. The 24-hour free counseling stress support helpline created the day to raise awareness and funds the organization. It is encouraging everyone to dress down and even wear slippers to school or work, for more information visit: http://www.stressdown.org.au