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Stress can rob you of your health, your family and your job. So here are some ways to manage it before it "manages" you.

Responsibility: You are in the driver's seat when it comes to stress. You can let it control you or you can control it. Establish priorities regarding your time with family, friends, and work. Learn to say, "no" early and often.

Relationships: Having lived in another culture where relationships were always a priority, I realized that family and friends come first before work. It takes time to cultivate them and to nurture them. Having a supportive network is crucial in warding off the effects of stress. In fact, one study determined that women live longer by having a number of close friends over an extended period of time.

Recreation: Watch children at play. They don't have a care in the world because they are focused on the present moment. They aren't thinking about yesterday or tomorrow. They laugh, have fun, and enjoy life because they are engaged in the present moment. Exercise comes naturally to children, but we may have to work at it. If you don't have a gym membership, take a walk at lunch or after work. Enjoy as much of nature each day. Take up yoga or water therapy.

Relaxation: Learning to relax comes naturally for some of us and for others of us; we have to "work" at it. Do something just for you every day: relax with a cup of tea and a good book, a luxurious soak in the tub with your favorite music, take a nap, listen to relaxation tapes or classical music. Studies have shown that playing or listening to music can actually slow breathing and heart rate, helping you to stay calm and relaxed. It is one of the most powerful weapons we have to bring tranquility back into our lives.

Refueling: Eat the green stuff, as much and as often as you possibly can: broccoli, lettuce, green peppers and kale. When your body's immune system is working properly you are less prone to feel "stressed out." A poor diet can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, making a person feel tense and irritable. Keep away from junk food and strive for a low-fat, high fiber diet that is low in salt. Drink caffeine in moderation, stay away from processed food, and drink water instead of soda.

Reflection: To keep balance in your life, you need to know your stress triggers and your stress symptoms. If you find that you're not sleeping well, feeling irritable, and not enjoying your work, it's time to take inventory. Balance is the key to life. A job should challenge your intelligence, skills, and bring joy and happiness. Stress is the number one reason why people leave their job, and a recent study in Sweden found that those who experienced job stress over the last ten years were five times more likely to develop colorectal cancer. No job is worth your health.

Don't let stress rob you of your life, family and job. Take inventory, keep in mind the six "R's," don't forget to count your blessings, and reflect on all that you have going for you in this gift called life!

Learn more about this author, C. Kay Rowley.
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