Learning stress management techniques in this day and age is almost as essential as needing the right nutrition for our health. There are times when your stress levels can skyrocket and lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Even though there are big issues to worry about, most of us are likely to sweat about the small stuff daily. Now, that's not going to do you or anyone else any good. Here are a few simple and effective ways to reduce daily stress.

It is important to form an exercise routine to help keep your weight in check. This activity will also help make you feel calm and relaxed and will help drive your stress away. Exercise is known to lower blood pressure so naturally, it will help reduce your stress levels as well.

Supplements can come in really handy in reducing stress. There are so many different ones that you can choose from like lemon balm, ashwagandha, kava kava, green tea and omega 3 fatty acids. They have anti-anxiety and soothing effects that will help combat stress.

Invest in a bunch of scented candles and ensure you pick the ones with the most soothing scents like lavender, rose, roman chamomile, sandalwood, orange blossom etc. Just light a different one up depending on your mood and you'll help feel relaxed in no time.

Take time out of your busy day to sit with yourself and organise a plan for the next day that is achievable. When you get organised and make sure there's a time for every task it will help you be more productive and less flustered. This way you are not fretting about all that you have to do. A little organisation could even help you wake up in a better mood and prepare you for the day.

A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) discovered women are more likely than men to turn to comfort food in times of stress. A Montclair State University study also found those on a diet are more likely to overindulge in unhealthy foods when under stress. Instead of depriving yourself of food or overeating, prepare healthy snacks for when you feel peckish. This way you are less likely to reach for that chocolate bar or a pack of chips.

Doing one particular activity, like knitting, can help you zen out and chill. Many studies have found doing a repetitive activity can help reduce blood pressure levels and slow down your breathing. Repeating a phrase that is connected to a spiritual meaning can also help reduce stress, anxiety and even insomnia, according to a study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Gentle and meditative music can help bring the mind to a state of calm, according to a study published in the journal Heart. You can even try a simple exercise while you listen to music to reduce stress. Clench the muscles in your back, shoulders, fingers and arms for 45 seconds before you release. You can try this while your sitting in a bus or train on your way to work.