How to beat stress this Christmas

'Tis the season to be jolly, of course. But between shopping for the perfect presents, attending Christmas parties and organising your time to make sure you see all family members, the festive season can sometimes prove to be stressful.Stress can wreck your health and play havoc with your appearance, putting strain on your body as well as ageing your face and making your hair dull. Green People founder Charlotte Vohtz shares her top tips for beating stress this Christmas… Scroll below for Charlotte's advice

Simple activities such as squeezing a stress ball or popping bubble wrap, thinking of your next holiday or having a giggle all help towards reducing stress.

If you feel stressed, go outside, flick through a magazine or have a power nap.

Breathe slowly and deeply for a couple of minutes. Aim to do this several times a day to stop yourself feeling overwhelmed.

Bananas boost your levels of stress-busting hormone serotonin.

When you laugh, you boost levels of feel-good endorphins in your body, making for instant relaxation.

Raise your arms and stretch them over your head to relax a tense back and stiff shoulders.

If you're feeling stressed and it's making you unhappy, focus your mind on a happy, memorable event in your life.

Get support from those around you - hug a friend, cuddle your children, or kiss your partner.

Put the tips of your fingers together, apply pressure and breathe slowly. Count to 60 and concentrate on your breathing.