Energise your body and help relieve stress

Exercise has many benefits for the mind and body, including helping to prevent heart disease, stroke and weight gain, releasing tension, aiding sleep and uplifting your mood.

Despite this, over half the UK population doesn't take part in the recommended amount of physical activity. The main reasons are lack of motivation and time, so finding a fitness programme that you enjoy and that fits in with your lifestyle is important. Also, aim to find something that energises your mind and body. For some this might be jogging; for others yoga.

Ten minutes of activity 3 times per day is just as effective as one 30-minute session - so take the stairs instead of the lift and walk instead of driving to the local shops.

When you're sitting down, at work or even in front of the TV, why not try these exercises to relieve some of that tension.

• Reach your arms over your head and stretch from side to side, bending from the waist.
• Stretch your legs outwards off the floor.
• Roll your shoulders forwards 5 times and then backwards 5 times.
• Look away from your computer screen and focus on objects at various distances to help prevent eye-strain.
• Roll your head slowly from side to side and front to back.