Here are 12 Good Strategies
for Reducing Stress

1. Talk with family, friends, clergy or other trusted advisers about your concerns and stresses, and ask for their support.

2. Take 15 to 20 minutes a day to sit quietly, breathe deeply and think of a peaceful scene.

3. Learn to accept things you can't change. You don't have to solve all of life's problems.

4. Count to 10 before answering or responding when you feel angry.

5. Don't use smoking, drinking, overeating, drugs or caffeine to cope with stress. These will actually make things worse.

6. Look for the good in situations instead of the bad.

7. Exercise regularly. Do something you enjoy, like walking, swimming, jogging, golfing, walking a pet, tai chi or cycling. Check with your doctor to determine what activity level is right for you.

8. Think ahead about what may upset you and try to avoid it. For example, spend less time with people who bother you. If you're still working or volunteering, cut back on your hours and adjust your schedule so you can avoid driving in rush-hour traffic.

9. Plan out productive solutions to problems. For example, talk with your neighbor if the dog next door bothers you, and set clear limits on how much you'll do for family members.

10. Learn to say no. Don't promise too much. Give yourself enough time to get things done.

11. Join a support group ... maybe for people with heart disease, for women, for men, for retired persons, or some other group with which you identify.

12. Seek out a mental health professional or counselor if you can't cope on your own. Helping people is their specialty. Ask your doctor, family or friends for recommendations. If they can't help, ask your minister, rabbi or a hospital social worker for some names.

13. Join a martial arts program. Whether it be karate, tai-chi, yoga, etc. These activities help both the mind and the body to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle.