1. Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for the body to function properly and most people require an average of 8 hours a night. Try to catch up on lost sleep before you depart on holiday and during long-haul flights do your best to get as much sleep as possible. This way you will arrive refreshed and relaxed at your holiday destination. 2. Manage your time
Plan ahead and create time buffers to deal with unexpected circumstances or emergencies. For example, you may encounter some delay on the way to the airport so make sure you allow plenty of time. 3. Use technology wisely
Use technology that will save you time, for example check in online at ba.com and avoid the check-in queues. Once on the plane you will have to turn your mobile phone off so consider leaving it off for the rest of the holiday. Leave the number of the hotel with people at home in case of emergencies. 4. Keep active
When you exercise, your body produces endorphins - these are hormones that help you relax and can help counter the effects of stress. On holiday there are usually many opportunities to try some physical exercise: hire a bike for an afternoon, go on a walking tour, go dancing one evening or even just take a brisk walk rather than a taxi to your local restaurant for supper. 5. Keep hydrated
If you're feeling stressed, you might reach for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine or chocolate to calm you down. However, these substances all contain stimulants. Try instead to stock up on healthy snacks like fresh or dried fruit or nuts, and keep topping up your water. Water is essential for every body function and even more than usual will be required if you're holidaying in the sun. 6. Remain calm
When you have a problem on holiday it is very easy to react negatively by arguing endlessly or by fuming silently! It is much better to take a deep breath in, stay calm, and accept that there are some things in life that you just can't change. Use your time more constructively, for example if you have to wait for a flight play 'I spy' with the children. 7. Tackle signs of tension early
Stress can affect your neck, shoulders and back. These quick techniques can help avoid this:
Sit with your feet on the ground, back supported against your chair and hands and arms open and relaxed. Take a deep breath in, raise your shoulders towards your ears and hold them raised for a few seconds. Then slowly breathe out and drop the shoulders. Repeat several times. Place your left hand on your right shoulder and squeeze gently. Repeat down the right arm to the elbow. Repeat several times. Place your right hand on your left shoulder and repeat the exercise. Place the fingers of both hands at the base of your skull; apply slow circular pressures down from the base of the skull to the base of the neck.