The way you feel emotionally and the way you feel physically are more closely linked than many people realise. They are also linked in a different way than is often assumed. Together, these factors can be used to help relax you at times of stress.

Emotions impact your body. If you are anxious or stressed, for example, you will probably be carrying tension in your muscles. This often particularly affects the back and neck (and can contribute to stress headaches and migraines, as well as back pain). You may be tensing your stomach muscles, without even realising it, which can have the effect of hunching you forwards. If you are sitting - maybe in a car or at a desk at work, two prime locations for high stress - then this accentuates the posture even more. You may be frowning, gritting your teeth and, if you are driving, gripping the wheel harder than you need to. You are likely breathing faster than normal, or with quite shallow breaths.

However, your body also impacts your emotions via a process of feedback. Because how you feel emotionally and physically are intrinsically linked, your mind associates them closely. This means that changing something physical can also bring about a change in your state of mind.

If you are stressed, then it's worth first noticing how it is impacting your body (typically in some of the ways described above, and probably several others). These can then be directly addressed through consciously adjusting them. Essentially, you are creating the physical sensations that your body usually associates with being relaxed and confident, rather than stressed and anxious.

Start by breathing deeply. Sit (or stand) up straight, relaxing your neck, back, shoulder and stomach muscles to create an easy, upright posture. Note how your face feels, and deliberately relax any frown or tension - you can even smooth a hand over your forehead. If you are driving, pay particular attention to your hands, too - if you see white knuckles gripping the wheel, relax them. All of these tell the brain on an unconscious level that the situation is in hand, therefore making you feel better in the process.

You will probably need to remind yourself periodically to note and address the physical effects of stress on your body, but this simple technique can be a useful way of reducing tension, simply by adjusting the signals that your mind receives from your body.

Guy Brandon is a counsellor, author and founder of www.StressingOut.org, a website dedicated to resources for stress, depression, anxiety, self-esteem and related issues.

For more on relaxation techniques, see http://www.StressingOut.org/relaxation-exercises/.