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Stress is a fact of daily life in the 21st century. But that doesn't mean we have to give in to the debilitating toll that stress can take on our health and wellbeing. There are a variety of effective strategies we can choose to assemble our own our anti-stress arsenal of defenses.

Several years ago I found myself facing a serious family illness, workplace upheaval due to corporate restructuring, my spouse's changing job responsibilities and longer work days, and increased personal demands in my home life, all within a few months' time. The key to overcoming stress, I quickly learned, is to direct your focus away from the stressors in your life at every opportunity and to focus on positive, energizing influences.

The most successful strategies for overcoming stress share several key characteristics:

They refocus the mind in a positive way by replacing worry and anxiety with creativity, curiosity, concern for others, or an appreciation for humor, beauty, or the natural environment.

They improve your ability to transcend the moment, better enabling you to withstand the stressors surrounding you;

With regular practice, they can have a lasting effect on your emotional and physical wellbeing.

Here are a few practical techniques for overcoming stress:

Get some exercise. Whether you faithfully go to the gym three days a week or simply practice five minutes of isometrics every morning, regular exercise will strengthen your muscles, improve your circulation and breathing and enhance your feeling of wellbeing.

Eat healthier meals. You'll feel your best if you are eating nutritious, well balanced, regular meals, made from fresh ingredients. Avoid fatty, fried and processed foods!

Surround yourself with friends. Avoid difficult people as much as possible. Being around positive people who love you has a powerful, healing effect.

Spend more time with your pets. Directing your attention and energy into your relationship with a loyal animal companion will help you focus on pleasurable responsibilities instead of stressful burdens.

Get an optimal amount of sleep. Whether you need nine hours of sleep a night or only six, getting the rest you need on a regular basis will equip you physically and mentally for withstanding the stresses you encounter in your waking hours.

Pursue a favorite hobby or develop a new one. Any activity that requires a high level of concentration, like reading, playing chess, or playing a musical instrument, can be a powerful stress eliminator. Some

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