Stress will always be a part of our lives. Going to school, starting a new job, marrying, raising a family, being promoted, growing old, facing illness or death all have degrees of stress related to them.

Avoiding unnecessary stress and learning to control our harmful responses, is important. It's not always easy to deal with stress. Here is a list of the top ten stress-busters that you can choose from as a start to managing your own stress:
Try not to "self-medicate" with tranquilizers, sleeping pills, diet formulas, alcohol, or over-the-counter medicines. Covering a problem can make the stress even worse.
Do something just for yourself. A trip to the hair dresser or barber, or having a therapeutic massage can do wonders when you are under a lot of stress.
Eat at least one hot meal a day. Good nutrition is important because it provides your body with the fuel it needs to deal with daily stress and hassles.
Share how you're feeling with a family member, friend, health care provider, or clergy, someone you can trust, and who will listen to you. There is an old saying that "A joy shared is doubled, and a sorrow shared is halved."
Daily exercise, such as a brisk walk for 20 minutes, improves your fitness and your sense of well-being.
If you are a smoker, try to stop. Smoking and stress are a dangerous duo. Your healthcare provider can help you find a smoking reduction or cessation program.
If you are a coffee or cola lover, try to cut down on these and other drinks that contain caffeine.
Learn and use meditation and or relaxation exercises. Your local community center or community college frequently offer training in yoga, meditation, tai chi, biofeedback, and a variety of other relaxation exercises geared to the working adult's schedule.
We've all heard the adage, "laughter is the best medicine". It is. Laughing releases chemicals in the brain that help promote a relaxation response. Rent a comedy from a video store. Share it with friends. It will help you to laugh your stressors away.
Find a healthcare provider and get regular physical exams. Your healthcare provider can spot health problems related to stress and provide you with suggestions and or referrals.

If you are having serious stress-related problems that are affecting how you live and work, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.

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