Had a rough day? Look in your cupboards, don’t reach for the pills. Look out for these de-stressers in your cupboard:

* Rub a tiny dab of Deep Heat onto your temples. Relax and gently massage the ointment in to relieve tension throughout your body. Avoid getting it in your eyes though.

* Go home, take a sheet of bubble wrap and pop the bubbles. You’ll be amazed how much this helps in relieving tension and pent-up aggression.

* Make your own stress ball. Stretch a balloon several times, insert a funnel into the neck of the balloon, and fill it with plain flour. Tie a knot and squeeze the flour-filled balloon to relieve stress.

* Make your own de-stress body massager. Fill a long sock with three or four tennis balls, and tie a knot to seal the open end. Have your partner or a friend roll the sock over your back. This same technique is frequently used by midwives to massage the backs of pregnant women in labour.

In the name of health, wealth and happiness,

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential