Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a great stress reducer to do while waiting in lines or sitting in traffic. Place your hand just below your belly button to make sure your belly is rising as you breathe in. Breathe in slowly. Pause for a count of three. Breathe out and silently say any word that feels right for you, such as "calm" or "peace". Pause for a count of three. Continue to breathe deeply for one minute.

Physical Activity
Exercise helps burn off the negative energy of stress by decreasing "stress hormones" and increasing your body's "feel-good" chemicals, giving your mood a natural boost. Dance or exercise to your favorite music. Take a walk, jog, ride a bike, go hiking, jump rope, or build a snowman. Save time and gas looking for a parking spot by parking further away from the store. Use the stairs, take an exercise class, keep an exercise log and gradually increase your activity level.

Eat Right
Maintain a balanced diet that contains a variety of nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, and water. Fruits and vegetables are easy to eat on-the-go, are a natural source of energy, and give the body many nutrients you need to keep going. Eat healthy snacks and try not to skip meals. Remember that moderation, not deprivation, is the key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Just Say No
Because of guilt, concern for what others might think of us, or a real desire to engage in a particular activity, we have a hard time saying no. If you overload yourself, you may feel overburdened. If your schedule is already booked, say "No, my schedule is booked right now, but if anything changes, I will get back to you." Remember it is easier to change a "no" to a "yes" than to go back and change a "yes" to a "no".

Budget
Plan your budget. Decide what you can afford and stick to it. Look for special deals or coupons. Leave your checkbook, extra cash, and credit cards at home when not needed. Pay bills on time to avoid interest charges. Avoid paying for extended warranties on major purchases. Shop around for cheapest rates on gas, telephone services, prescription drugs, and clothing items. Review your budget periodically to make sure it is still appropriate.

Realistic Expectations
Realize that in any situation, whether family, finances, career, etc. there are good and bad, positive and negative elements. Recognize that life is always unfinished and imperfect. It is unrealistic to believe you will always finish everything needing to be done without something else popping up to be done. Remember every road has bumps and turns, especially the road of life.

Stay in the Moment
Try to be mindful of each and every moment of your life. Experience "the getting there" not only "the having gotten there." Experience life more fully by concentrating on all of your senses and appreciate how things smell, look, feel, sound, and taste. Remind yourself daily that no matter how many things you have acquired, unless they have improved your mind, body or spirit, they are relatively worthless.

Loneliness
Social support is vital to your health and can even help you live longer. Seek community, religious, or social services for support and companionship. Consider volunteering at a hospital, community group, or religious function. Getting involved and helping others can lift your spirits and broaden your social circle. Create a weekly game night, potluck dinner night, movie night, or walking club with your family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers.

Relax
Try a long soak in a lavender-scented bath to soothe frazzled nerves. Tie 2 or 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds or flowers in a double thickness of cheesecloth. Hook it over the bathtub spigot, allowing the water to pour through the lavender as the tube fills. Try meditation, imagery, progressive relaxation, deep breathing, yoga, massage, aromatherapy, or Tai Chi.

Avoid Illness
Fight the spread of germs by washing your hands with soap and warm water after you come in from shopping, visiting family or friends, riding public transportation, or doing anything where you handle things a lot of people touch.

Seek Support
Ask your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to help with simple tasks. Even Superman and woman cannot have a career, look after the kids, and maintain a regular household routine all be themselves.

Laugh it Up
Laughter truly is the best medicine. When you laugh, it does not just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body, beginning with your face. Read jokes or watch funny movies. Finding the humor in things lowers blood pressure and can boost the immune system.

Reference and Resource: 1. Comprehensive Stress Management, 7th edition. Jerrold S. Greenberg at University of Maryland, 2002.