by Katie Lee

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

(1) Exercise. Stress often begins in the brain, and the release of hormones that make a person hyper alert. These hormones weren't designed to be released over a prolonged period of time, so stress literally throws your body out of whack. Exercise releases "good hormones" in the body, helping it to relax which minimizes the negative effects of stress such as irritability, moodiness, and tension headaches. Exercise also helps boost your immune system, reduce blood pressure and helps your body stay healthy, which can all help you fight stress much better. There are a wide range of exercise programs available so it's easy to find a program that fits your individual lifestyle.

(2) Eat a well balanced, healthy diet. Stress can elevate insulin levels in the blood, leading you to feel hungry. Try to eat a diet rich in fiber, lean protein and fruits and vegetables. Eating foods high in sugar will only kick up insulin levels more, leading to that sugar high-crash syndrome that will only make you more susceptible to the ill effects of stress. Moreover, stress has been known to have adverse affects on the health of one's skin, hair and bones and a healthy diet can help to counteract some of these effects.

(3) Get a Good Night's Sleep. There's a reason why your doctor tells you to rest when you're sick. When you are asleep, your body's busy doing a host of things, like repairing cells and cleaning out unnecessary memory in your brain. It's no coincidence that those who are sleep-deprived have lower memory function, slower reflexes and are more susceptible to stress-related ailments. Avoid taking medication to induce sleep. Instead, try a calming drink, avoid caffeinated foods right before bedtime and unwind by watching TV, reading a book or listening to soothing music.

(4) See Life from a Perspective of Gratitude. Ever hear of the phrase, "it's all a matter of perspective?" Living your life by counting your blessings as opposed to your problems can really help you deal with life's adversities. Being thankful that you have a job makes it easier to attend to the daily pressures of that job. Thinking that your job sucks and that you hate your boss and co-workers only makes you dread going into work each day and elevates your stress levels even before you sit down in your chair. There are many ways change your perspective on life keeping a daily gratitude journal, saying a daily prayer of thanks, taking a moment to fully appreciate good things when they happen.

(5) Focus on the Present. Don't worry about the future so much. Don't resent or rehash the past. Live your life in the here and now. Many stress-related anxiety attacks result from thinking about what has or could happen. Often, nothing is actually hurting you in that precise moment. The best way to live "in the moment" is to meditate. If you don't have time to meditate, taking a few deep breaths can help focus your mind on the present.

(6) Do One Thing Each Day that Brings You Joy. Think about the little things that make you happy. Eating chocolate, watching your favorite TV show, taking a hot bath, playing Sudoku, or reading to your children. You'll be surprised what a difference this can make in your day and how it can often stop stress dead in its tracks. Think of it as a way to reboot your system.

(7) Laugh. It's hard to feel stressed when you're cracking up. Studies have shown that chronically ill patients who have a positive outlook and a good sense of humor often fare better than their comically-challenged counterparts. So try and seek out things each day that will make you laugh. Tell bad jokes, find the absurd in life, embrace your inner goof. Laughter truly is the best medicine, so make sure you take your daily dose!

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