STRESS PEAK ONE: THE MORNING RUSH Over the past year, a staggering 74% of us have been so STRESSED that we’ve felt OVERWHELMED or unable to cope.

If you want to understand what sets the stress thermometer for your day, start with what happens during your morning routine, says Dr Chatterjee. ‘I call them MSDS – micro stress doses. Your smart phone wakes you at 6.40am, jolting you into consciousness, your Facebook feed has pictures of a work colleague in the sunset on a Greek island, your husband gets irritated by your phone pinging, the news is all bad, you wake your son and he shouts at you, so you shout back – and all before you’re dressed. Most of us experience 15-20 MSDS before we’ve even left the house in the morning. The key is to reduce them wherever you can.’ ◆ BUY AN ALARM CLOCK AND LEAVE YOUR PHONE DOWNSTAIRS TO CHARGE. That way you free yourself from the urge to check, post or text early morning and late night. ◆ SET THE ALARM 10 MINUTES EARLIER EVERY DAY TO GIVE YOURSELF TIME FOR THE 3Ms – mindfulness, meditation and movement. ‘The 3Ms should help begin every day,’ says Dr Chatterjee. ‘It doesn’t need to take very long – build it into your morning routine.’ First, start by taking a minute or two to be mindful. Sit and do some slow, deep breathing or stand in the garden, focusing all your senses on what’s around you. Add some movement – skipping, jogging on the spot, a yoga sun salutation or some simple stretches and get yourself in the right mindset for the day ahead with positive, affirming thoughts. ◆ NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT TOUCHING YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST – whether it’s a kiss, a hug or a cuddle. Numerous studies have shown the power of touch in reducing anxiety and levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. ‘I recommend a 3D greeting. So often we barely greet the people we love – so look at them, say something meaningful to connect with them and touch them,’ says Dr Chatterjee.