Guided Imagery is a simple relaxation technique that will help you quickly manage stress and reduce tension.  With practice it is as easy as daydreaming and takes only about 15 minutes.

Get into a comfortable position, like one you would use for meditation.  Be careful you do not fall asleep.  Lying down may not be the best position for this technique.

Close your eyes and focus on breathing in and breathing out deeply.

Once relaxed, imagine yourself in the most relaxing setting possible. It does not matter whether it is lying on the beach or working in your garden.

The goal is to us all of your senses.  If you are on a beach can you smell the saltwater?  Can you hear the waves or the sea gulls?   How hot is it?  Can you see the sailboats in the horizon?  Can you taste the water?  Make it as real as possible.  Do everything you can to “be there”.

Enjoy everything about this experience that you can and hold it for as long as you want or possibly can.  Get rid of the stress.  As you slowly bring yourself out of this wonderland and back into reality count down from 5.  Tell yourself that when you get to one that you will be experience peace.

Try it.  You might like it.  And even if you can not afford that Caribbean cruise you can do this and it does not cost you a penny.  The only thing that you need is an imagination.