by Courtney Keskinen

Created on: June 13, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The daily lives of individuals are commonly filled with stress and anxiety. Often, one is rushing to attend work meetings and making sure the kids get to school on time, all while ensuring that money is in the bank and dinner is on the table. Whether it is just for an individual or for an entire family, juggling schedules and activities can create a hectic environment that is not conducive to peace and tranquility.

It is important to understand the difference between the two different types of stress. Good' stress is derived from passion and ambition and is the force that drives an individual to complete tasks. This drive can add to the quality of life for an individual, allowing one to take advantage of desired activities and utilizing talent. However, if one's daily dose of good stress becomes too much to handle, bad' stress becomes a factor. Bad' stress or distress can be characterized as overwhelming feelings of panic and negativity.

Bad stress is capable of doing significant damage to the human body over the course of time. In addition to mental and behavioral issues, stress can result in high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches and sleeping problems. If untreated, these symptoms can eventually deteriorate an individual's immune system, making the person more susceptible to illness and disease.

Accepting that stress is a part of life is necessary in coping with issues. However, one does not have to live with the negative effects and symptoms that occur as a result of a stressful environment. There are numerous activities that can instantly reduce stress and provide an individual with a clearer and calmer demeanor. The following is a short list of five stress reducers that will cleanse one's mind and body.

1) Smile for 90 Seconds The physical act of smiling will immediately provide an individual with a calmer mindset and motivates one to think positively.

2) Take a Deep Breath Inhaling and exhaling deeply can calm the body and mind. Cleansing breathes will aid in regulating breathing patterns and provide a break from tension.

3) Mini Self-Massage Soothing a sore muscle or targeting a pressure point on the body (such as the earlobe) can relax a stressed individual. This may provide a break that will allow them to return to a task more rejuvenated and perhaps with a refreshed perspective.

4 Relax that Jaw- Teeth grinding is a common occurrence for stressed individuals during sleeping hours as well as hours spent awake. Relaxing the jaw will lessen the likelihood of subconsciously clenching and grinding one's teeth.

5) Stop and Daydream Sit back, take a moment and just relax! Allow yourself to daydream about a favorite vacation spot or think about a loved one. This visualization trick will help one remember what is important, providing a calm atmosphere to refresh one's mindset and perhaps be the motivation for completing a task.

Of course, not all of life's situations and environments may allow one to use all of these reducers in the course of a day. However, utilizing even just one of these tips can add moments of peace and can provide the momentary escape from pressures of a hectic schedule that may ultimately add years to one's life.

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