Recognize signs of stress and identify the causes. At work reduce stress by learning to avoid long hours, not accepting unrealistic demands, setting realistic goals, accepting changes optimistically and not taking work related problems home. At home air your grievances, share your problems and regular weekend breaks with the family. Take time to relax allowing about 20 minutes of leisure before and after eating and make meals enjoyable, unstressful occasions.

Eat slowly, chew each mouthful well.
Eat meals at regular timings. Eat frequently but in small quantities. Do not overeat.
Avoid drinking immediately before meals and drink sparingly during meals.
Do not lie down immediately after meals.
Eat less spicy, avoid fatty, fried food and those that contain possible irritants such as chemical food additives or hot spices.

Avoid alcohol, reduce the amount of coffee and tea and avoid them entirely during an attack.
Don't smoke. It will irritate the stomach lining.
Drink cold milk at the time of heartburn.
Avoid painkillers or medicine which cause acidity.
Hot compresses over the stomach are said to improve the blood supply in the area and relax the muscles.
Call for the doctor, If discomfort around the chest region is aggravated by exercise and better by rest.
If with heartburn you have difficulty in swallowing, breathlessness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or black or bloody stools.
If the heartburn occurs daily.