How to deal with stress

Stress is unfortunately a part of life for most people. It can be caused by anything ranging from job changes to divorce to illness or death in the family. Although stress is impossible to avoid, there are some ways to deal with it.

1. Stay calm and take deep breaths. Being in this mode will help you get through the difficult situation or task.
2. Take time out of your day to go for a walk when you're stressed out. Sometimes going out for fresh air clears your mind of negative thoughts. Walking also helps to renew your energy so that you can survive the end of your work or school day.
3. Talk to a relative, a friend or a coworker. Venting your frustrations takes a load off your chest and reduces stress. It also helps to get advice or encouragement from that person to help you feel better.
4. Try low impact exercises such as yoga or Pilates if you're still stressed out when you go home. These calorie burning workouts not only stretch and tone your muscles, but they also provide tension relief.

Tips & Warnings:

Volunteer to help others or find a new hobby, such as jewelry making or crocheting. Finding something enjoyable to do outside of work helps you to relax.

Take advantage of body relaxation techniques such as meditation. Sign up for yoga or tai chi classes to relieve stress and to release muscle tension. Go to a nearby spa for massage therapy.

If you constantly deal with stressful situations, then you may develop high blood pressure or have a heart attack. It's important to practice positive coping strategies to manage stress.

Stress weakens the immune system. You are more vulnerable to colds, the flu or other infections if you're stressed out.