by Ben Turner

Created on: November 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 12, 2011

In today's fast-paced, got to have it all, got to have it now society, stress has become a household word. It is important to find ways to cut bad stress from our life. Let's explore seven options that can not only make you happier, but also a healthier person.

1.) Sleep

Never understimate the value of a good night's sleep. Many factos can affect how many hours you might need to sleep, but a good average is anywhere from 6 to 8 hours a night. Anything under or over this range is not healthy on a consistent basis.

2.) Eliminate Caffeine

I believe caffeine is the most abused legal drug of our time and robs us of our time and nutrition. Coffee, soda, energy drinks, etc. These drinks offer little nutritional value. They send your body's stimulus up and down as you rev'up only to crash later and need more caffeine. Life is stimulating enough.

3.) Move

That's right. You don't have to exercise in a gym or even formally. Just move. Walk, Run. Dance. Whatever works for you. The more you move, the better you feel. Stand up from that desk and walk around. Bend over, stretch. Of course to help reduce stress, develop some type of consistent fitness program and stick to at least 3 days a week for 30 mins or more. Use it or lose it.

4.) Turn off the tube

It's fun to watch television & play video games. But too much of a good thing will ruin you. Being trapped behind a TV for hours is mind-numbing and offers little physical stimulus.

5.) Communicate

A great proudcer of stress is the ability, or lack thereof, for individuals to communicate with one another. Whether it is husband and wife, parent and child, or friend to friend, we find it hard to speak to one another about serious matters. Bottled up emotion eats away at relationships over time resulting in mothers who don't talk to daughters, spouses cheating, etc.

Take time to communicate better in your relationships at home, work, church, everywhere. If you are mad, it is best to have a cooling period, but don't hold resentments as it eats away at you and grows into a monster. Venting is one of the best stress relievers in the world. Take time to let out something that has been bothering you for days, months or years and you will add tremendously to your life. Let it out.

6.) Meditate & Pray

Prayer/meditation are a great way to relax and help re-center. Part of the benefit comes from taking time by yourself to allow for meaningful meditation. Don't feel guilty. Take time to become aware of yourself and your body. You may find that your body is trying to speak to you, but you have been so busy and distracted you didn't hear it. Same can be said for the voice of God reaching you. Take time to yourself. Do it every day.

7.) Give

Each of us has the ability to give. You may not have money, but you can still give. Give a smile to everyone, say hello to your neighbor, open a door, call your mom and tell her you love her. Giving is key to living.

The above approaches and advice are more a guide to living, but I have found it really is the simple things in life that bring joy and reduce stress in your life. Take time for yourself & others, Turn off the TV and move. Live, laugh, breathe and relax. Life is an adventure to be enjoyed.

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