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23 things to help you in times of stress

Life can be very hectic and stressful. Whether it's troubles in your own life that are getting you down, or news from the outside world that is worrying you the most (or indeed both), it is important to be able to de-stress and make sure that you're feeling happy and positive.

When it all gets a bit too much, here are some things that will help refocus your energies and soothe your anxieties about the future.

1. This penguin enjoys tobogganing. Maybe you could do some tobogganing of your own this winter?

The epic tobogganing emperor penguin

Sir David Attenborough presents the emperor penguin from the Antarctic Peninsula.

2. Re-evaluate the big questions in your life. For example: cheese before or after pudding?

The great cheese debate: before or after pudding?

The Kitchen Cabinet panel debate one of the most important cheese questions.

3. Treat yourself to something inexpensive yet pleasing. How about a plastic flamingo?

What surprising things are we buying at the moment

The household items consumers are buying in droves, and what we're not using anymore.

4. It's time for a peaceful new hobby. Collect messages in bottles! Or set sail a few of your own...

Messages in a bottle: "I've collected over a hundred!"

Nicola White talks about the joy of collecting messages in bottles.

5. Let the inner child out (in a constructive way). Trampoline?

Trampolining: the new leisure craze?

In the last year, seven new trampoline parks have opened in the UK every month.

6. This chap can go for days without flapping his wings. A lesson for us all.

They can go for days without flapping their wings

The bird has inspired not only awe but a spiritual response from many of us.

7. Think small. I mean, really small. Make your microbes happy. A tip: some microbes really love Stilton. Also worth trying cake.

Why you need to get to know your body's microbes

They're not just germs. They influence our bodies more than we know.

8. Set aside some time every day to daydream. Your brain will thank you for wandering.

Make some time to daydream every day

You'll be better off taking some time to daydream and ponder every day.

9. Stop worrying about trying to impress everyone all the time. This dog doesn't mind.

How extensive is your dog’s vocabulary?

Can some clever pooches actually spell or tell the time?

10. Do something on the side for a bit of escapism. Write a crime novel?

Sneaky tips for writing a crime novel

Are there any strict rules when writing crime fiction?

11. Wondering what this thing called hygge (HUE-GEH) is all about? Here's a crash course: light a fire and put your feet up.

Why you need more hygge in your life

The Danes have got happiness covered with their concept of hygge.

12. Buy a Delorean. It'll help your bank balance in the long-run and you'll win cool points (but remember: that's not important).

How to be investment wise: classic cars beat property and gold

Some classic cars have increased in value dramatically, bringing impressive returns.

13. Think positive. For example, instead of seeing the word 'delayed' here, imagine: 'extra time to go to the shops and/or pub'.

How you can make your disruptions positive

We tend to avoid a change to the status quo, but can a bit of disruption have benefits?

14. Simply too much to do? You can make time last longer. No, really.

How can you make time last longer?

Some weeks just fly by but sometimes minutes can feel like hours.

15. There are always things to make you smile, you just need to pay attention. Just ask Spike Milligan about the eastern bearded scrub robin...

Spike Milligan on funny animal sounds and names

From the yellow-bellied sapsucker to the eastern bearded scrub robin.

16. Do some gardening. Growing something from seed gives you a big perspective on life.

Garden for your health: allotments on prescription

Dr Mark Porter visits his local patch in Gloucestershire.

17. Everybody can change. Even this cat. It's thinking about slippers.

How to train the killer instinct out of your cat

Winifred Robinson finds out about breeding the hunting instinct out of our pet cats.

18. A little bit of a chaos can be a good thing. Just a smidge, mind.

Why a little bit of chaos in music is a good thing

Unexpected incidents in the musical world have resulted in best-selling albums.

19. If you learn how to do one more thing today - learn how to rest.

Why you need to learn how to rest

Is it the absence of work? Does it have to mean doing nothing? You have to learn to rest.

20. Newsflash! Boredom is good for you.

Why boredom could be good for you

Sandi Mann talks to Claudia Hammond about the benefits of boredom.

21. Have you ever wondered whether you'd feel less crazy if you got more sleep? There's one to prioritise.

Tips to help you get a better night's sleep

Is eight hours sleep enough and should you be brushing your teeth in the dark?

22. Take a leaf out of a camel's book. They know what they love.

What do camels love?

The answer isn't long walks in the desert, although they probably love that too.

23. When all else fails this is how you make the perfect cup of tea:

How to make the perfect cup of tea

Watch our guide to ensure you never make a sub-standard brew ever again.

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