BEAT PAIN by the weekend

You dont have to pop pills or spend money to ease your everyday ailments

Ten million of us experience pain daily, which affects our quality of life, says The British Pain Society. But, before you head to your medicine cupboard and knock back another couple of tablets, or splash out on private treatments to ease that bad back or tension headache, try these soothing suggestions instead. From getting frisky to practising mindfulness, there are plenty of at-home remedies to help fix your pain – fast.

Breathe out

‘Breathing techniques can calm your nervous system and reduce muscular tension,’ says osteopath Sam Maddock. Breathe in through your nose for four seconds. Pause for one second. Breathe out slowly for six seconds to calm your body.

Say yes to sex!

Sex can be more effective than painkillers. Yes – really. In fact, neurologists from the University of Münster found that more than half of migraine sufferers said their symptoms improved after it, while one in five of them experienced complete relief after getting frisky.

Look at photos you love 

Simply getting the photo albums out can help release pain-relieving chemicals, found researchers at the University of California. Looking at art you enjoy can also help reduce the pain response, found Italy's University of Bari. Trip to a free gallery anyone?

Be mindful