Don't get worked up with these six London stress-busters

"Right now, one in six workers has a mental health issue such as stress, depression or anxiety," says Mind's chief executive, Paul Farmer. "Workers are under more pressure than ever in a recession as staff numbers decrease, workloads increase and people worry if they'll even have a job to go to tomorrow."

So to stop your mental tension boiling over, here are six London stress busters to keep you feeling Zen-like when you get to the office.

SHED worries
A new exercise method called SHED is a combination of dynamic movement, static poses and mind exercises done in a hot room to stimulate the circulation and boost endorphin (feel-good hormones) release. "Expecting people to switch off and relax by lying still is like clamping a lid down on a pressure cooker," says SHED founder Jane Kersel. "It's just a short-term suppression of the symptoms of stress but not a real escape route." Conversely, the SHED method is designed to detoxify the body through movement, enabling profound relaxation.

Five classes weekly at the new Triyoga Chelsea, £15 drop-in from July 2. 372 King's Road, SW3 (020 7483 3344, triyoga.co.uk)

Swallow stress
It is possible to reduce your cortisol (the main stress hormone) levels through diet - eating high quality protein such as eggs and lean meats, and slow-release carbohydrates such as brown rice and sweet potatoes. "People with high levels of cortisol will tend to store fat around their abdominals," says Dave Fletcher, of Odyssey Fitness. Using a "bio-signature" assessment of your body fat he will create a cortisol-regulating nutrition plan for you - usually low in sugar and high in green vegetables, good proteins, zinc and omega 3.

£100 for a 60-minute assessment, feedback and plan. theodysseyway.co.uk

Lighten up
A new device from Finnish company Valkee claims to combat job stress and improve your mood by shining light into your ears. "Studies show that when you expose the brain to light through the skull you can increase the secretion of several 'feelgood' neurotransmitters, including seratonin and dopamine," says Valkee CEO Juuso Nissila. The clinical trials have shown promising results and Valkee recommends a six- to 12-minute daily session to feel the benefits.

£185, valkee.com

Face it
"Just like on the feet and hands, the body can be mapped on the face," says facial reflexology practitioner Rupert French. "I'm looking for the areas of most inflammation on the face. When someone is stressed it almost always manifests itself in the stomach and digestive system - which in turn will show in the bridge of the nose and the cheeks." Facial reflexology is a complementary therapy and Rupert's will stimulate acupressure points on the face to relieve the bodily and emotional symptoms of stress.

£65 for 60 minutes at Hydro Healing, 216a Kensington Park Road, W11 (020 7727 2570, hydrohealing.com)

Get some space
"Just walking, touching the earth, being surrounded by life and green space makes people relax and open up," says founder of Green Space Life Coaching Karen Liebenguth. She uses London's green spaces as a calming and focusing location for stress-combatting life coaching. "Clients often say they leave a session with a heightened sense of perspective, that they have walked and talked their way out of a problem and into a solution."

Free 30-minute "coaching while walking" session (07815 591 279, greenspacecoaching.com)

Run away
"Stress causes a massive build-up of the hormone cortisol, which can cause heart attacks and high blood pressure. We know for sure that exercise takes that cortisol level down," says Matt Roberts, personal trainer to David and Samantha Cameron. "But when people are stressed they make the mistake of starting exercise and going at it like crazy." Matt recommends turning one stressful commute per day (exercising to work as well as back will only increase fatigue) into exercise by running or cycling. "Do some moderate cardiovascular exercise and, if you're feeling stressed, avoid boxing or kickboxing. If you do use weights, stick to light weights and sets of 12-20 reps."