by Patricia Watson

Created on: March 07, 2009   Last Updated: March 13, 2009

The best way to avoid getting stressed is never get married and don't even contemplate having children. If you have already ventured into the married with kids life, you will need to apply some soul calming techniques to survive.

*Take the stress out of your home*

1. You have to train yourself to accept whatever comes your way. You can control certain things, but when you add a spouse and children into the mix, your control goes out the window. Practice deep breathing techniques and keep a chilled bottle of white wine in the fridge.

2. Don't let the pressure of housework and mealtimes consume you. The dust isn't going anywhere; it will wait until you have the time to deal with it. Your family can survive on soup and sandwiches. We live in a rushed world and there isn't always enough hours in the day to prepare the perfect roast beef dinner.

3. Let the children solve their own quarrels! The only time you will need to step in is when you see blood. In most cases, when a parent is stressed out and tries to end a fight between their children, the fighting just escalates.

4. Realize that the perfect family does not exist! Do not stress because your kids aren't bringing home straight A's. They will eventually graduate and have careers. Let go of the small stuff. Don't let stress build up over tiny nothings in your life.

5. Laugh everyday. Try and find the humor in every situation. It will keep your stress levels down. Laugh lines are better than worry lines any day.

*Learn to love your job!*

1. We all have to work and make a living. That is just the way it is. You may as well enjoy your time in the workplace. There will always be something to grumble about, but try and find the positives about your job. If you look hard enough, you will find many reasons to love your place of employment.

2. Never stress over promotions or raises. Someone will always climb the career ladder faster and make more money than you do. That is just the way it works in the real world.

3. Stress in the workplace is a killer. There are ways to deal with obnoxious co-workers and keep your sanity at the same time. Put a smile on your face and you will get through your work day with ease.

It is not always easy to avoid feeling stressed, but with determination and humor in your survival kit, you are well on your way to a calmer environment. Find a good friend with listening skills and vent to them. They may not have the answer to your problems, but sometimes just talking things through to a conclusion, can keep your stress under control.

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