by MiLa Driver

Created on: February 28, 2008

Stress is a given in all of our lives. There are demands on our time from our children, our spouses, our jobs. There's too much to do and there's either not enough time or not enough energy to get it all done. So if we can't escape it, how can we at least handle it better? Here are a few suggestions.

FRIENDS
Life is always more bearable when we have friends. Depending on your personality, you might like having several friends you can turn to or just one or two that you can share your thoughts with. Whenever we share our concerns with another being, we usually get some feedback from them. Sometimes that is what we are looking for; a different perspective, and sometimes we just want someone to listen to us. Your friends know you and will usually respond in the manner that is appropriate for your relationship.

TREAT YOURSELF
Going to Starbucks and getting a chai tea latte is something that immediately calms me down. It is warm, it is sweet and it is delicious. Perhaps you would rather go for a flavored iced tea or maybe a scoop of creamy ice-cream from the fancy ice-cream place down the road. Find what gives you a sense of calm and then go for it.

MEDITATE
Go to a place where you can find some peace and quiet. Relax. Close your eyes and let your mind roam. Don't let those pesky little thoughts enter your thinking space though. When people meditate, they make a low humming noise in their throat and that, surprisingly, is like having a guard standing at the door refusing to let unwanted thoughts in.

BREATHING
Lay down somewhere comfortable and close your eyes. Take a deep breath through your nose and then slowly exhale out of your mouth. Beginning at the top of your head, visualize calmness covering every inch of your body with every breath you take. Imagine your muscles relaxing and oxygen saturating every cell of your body.

GET A PET
It's a known fact that pets put a smile on your face. They are loving, loyal and they always care about how you feel. They never have a hidden agenda for hanging out with you and are happy just being by your side.

Stress happens to all of us and we can happily accept it in our lives, but just make sure that stress knows that you are in control of your life and that you are the boss. When stress realizes that you are not afraid of it and can tackle it, it will no longer try to take over your life.

Learn more about this author, MiLa Driver.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.