If you're stressed, whether by your job or by something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause.
The most unhelpful thing you can do is turn to something unhealthy to help you cope, such as smoking or drinking.
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What you can do to address stress
Be active
Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you to deal with your problems more calmly.
Take control
There's a solution to any problem. "If you remain passive, thinking, 'I can't do anything about my problem', your stress will get worse. That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing.
The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else.
Connect with people
A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.
The activities we do with friends help us relax. We often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress reliever.
Talking things through with a friend will also help you find solutions to your problems.
Have some 'me time'
Put aside time for yourself each week.
Challenge yourself
Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, helps to build confidence. This will help you deal with stress.
Avoid unhealthy habits
like smoking or drinking to mask how you are really feeling.
Help other people
Professor Cooper says evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, become more resilient.
Helping people who are often in situations worse than yours will help you put your problems into perspective. The more you give, the more resilient and happy you feel.
If you don't have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day. It can be something as small as helping someone to cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues.
Work smarter, not harder
Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that will make a real difference.
Leave the least important tasks to last.
Try to be positive
Look for the positives in life, and things for which you're grateful. People don't always appreciate what they have. Try to be glass half full instead of glass half empty.
Try writing down three things that went well, or for which you're grateful, at the end of every day.
Accept the things you can't change
Changing a difficult situation isn't always possible. Try to concentrate on the things you do have control over.