by Caroline Atkins

Created on: January 29, 2008

The physical symptoms of stress can lead to serious problems and take years off your life. Find ways to manage the stress in your life before you are a depressed, anxious, irritable person. Here are ELEVEN EASY WAYS TO HANDLE STRESS:

1. LAUGH MORE: A University of Maryland study shown that laughter, and a healthy sense of humor, is good for your heart, and unrelieved stress will affect your heart. Laughing releases tension, so crack jokes, watch a comedy, or read the funnies section of your newspaper.

2. LEARN TO SAY NO: If you are a "people pleaser," don't sacrifice your own happiness for that of others. If somebody is constantly using you for money, babysitting, or transportation, and they are not returning the favor, don't let them become a stress-inducing burden. Just say no, and get your priorities in order.

3. CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY: At the end of the day, you get to decide if you are a happy person, or a sad person. Don't alienate everyone around you by constantly being grumpy. If you make a conscious effort to be happy and positive, eventually it will come naturally.

4. GET ENOUGH SLEEP: Get your 8 hours of sleep. If you are constantly worn out all the time, the lack of sleep will wear on you physically. Also, don't rely on energy drinks to get you through your day.

5. EXERCISE: Get moving! Find an activity that you enjoy, and do it regularly. This could be going to the gym, taking up yoga, or joining a softball league. Try to be physically active for at least 20 minutes a day.

6. SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS: Supporting friends are one of the best stress relievers. If you do not have a circle of friends you regularly spend time with, reconnect with old friends or make new ones. Join a book club, sports team, or club, and find people you have things in common with.

7. WATCH A GOOD MOVIE: Microwave some popcorn, turn on the surround sound, and settle down with a movie you enjoy, or a new one you've been wanting to watch. Turn off your cell phone, and don't surf the internet on your laptop. Let your mind relax and enjoy the film.

8. GET ORGANIZED: A cluttered house will add a lot of stress to your life, not to mention you'll have trouble finding things when you need them. Take a Saturday or day during the week and separate all of your unwanted things into three piles: Donate, Discard, and Sell on Ebay or Craigslist.

10. START A SAVINGS PLAN: With the extra cash you generate from selling your unwanted valuables, start a savings plan. Set aside an amount you can afford each month into a savings plan. Pay off extra on your credit cards if you are in debt.

11. PLAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN OR PET: Kids and pets are usually happy to spend time with you. Go for a walk, visit the park, or just spend time with them. If you have a dog, play tug-of-war with him. Get down on the floor and play like a kid!

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