20 Simple Stress Relieving Tips

In today's busy society, stress is a part of life. Juggling home, work and family; dealing with financial burdens; caring for young children; even planning for holidays and vacations are just some of the things that can lead to stress and overwhelm. Here are 20 simple tips to keep stress from invading your life and affecting your health. Practice one or two at a time, then add more. You will feel better in no time!

1. Eat a balanced diet. Three small meals and two snacks a day will keep your blood sugar level and help you manage stress.

2. Limit sugar, caffeine and alcohol.

3. Get to sleep before midnight.

4. Exercise regularly - even a 20-minute walk will help relieve feelings of stress.

5. Don't worry about what other people think of you.

6. Avoid comparing yourself or your work to others.

7. Focus on your positive characteristics.

8. Change your negative thoughts to positive ones:

9. Make sure your goals are realistic, then break them down into small tasks. Baby steps!

10. Watch out for perfectionism. Remember that nobody is perfect.

11. Use humor: making a joke when you feel stressed will lighten the atmosphere and reduce tension.

12. Laugh. Watch a comedian on TV, a funny movie, or a humorous video on the internet. Read the comics. Keep a joke book handy. Laughter is a great stress-reliever (and it burns calories, too!)

13. Smile, even if you don't feel like it. Just the act of using your smile muscles will make you feel happier and less tense.

14. Practice meditation and yoga.

15. Call a friend or family member. Focusing on others helps us get our minds off of ourselves, and puts things into perspective.

16. Treat yourself to a massage

17. Take a hot shower or bath

18. Take time out for yourself each day to rest, read and reflect.

19. Keep a gratitude journal: Each morning or night, list 5 things you are thankful for. If you have trouble thinking of things, focus on the simple things: clean water to drink, a bed to sleep in, the sunshine, birds singing.

20. Listen to fun music with uplifting lyrics - and dance if you can!