Ongoing stress can affect the quality of your sleep, your immune system and the health of your arteries. Next time your muscles start freezing up, try these quick tension-busting techniques.

1. Scrunch your face tightly for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat several times. Contracting and relaxing your muscle helps release tension above your neck.

2. Breath in, lick your lips, then slowly blow out. The cool air helps you to refocus and slow down.

3. Cork it. Try holding a wine cork vertically between your teeth and bite gently to relax your tense jaws.