Cope with Stress in 12 Easy Steps

Stress makes us sick - mentally, physically, and emotionally. Medical researchers have long recognized the direct links between disease and stress. They estimate that as many as 80% of all visits to the doctor are the result of stress-induced illnesses, such as chronic fatigue, anxiety attacks, mood swings, depression, insomnia, ulcers, immune deficiency, chronic pain, migraines, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Recently, Rush Limbaugh (of talk radio fame) reported on the newest study out of the U.K. that says work-related stress substantially increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, too.

The link between stress and ill health is so strong, in fact, that techniques for reducing stress are an integral part of the holistic healing and alternative medicine approaches to wellness. In a quest to find a simple solution to stress, many people have turned to nutritional supplements and herb combinations like Echinacea, Coenzyme Q, pycnogenol, magnesium, Vitamin C, Gingko, and prescription drugs such as Xanax, Zoloft, and Ativan. While many of these are effective in relieving the symptoms of disease caused by stress, they are not effective in relieving stress itself.

The bad news is stress reduction can't be found in a pill form. The good news is it can be effectively achieved through some relatively simple changes we make in our attitudes, lifestyles, and behaviors. The most effective (and most often recommended) tips and techniques for reducing stress include:

- RELAX YOUR STANDARDS. Stop striving for perfection in an imperfect world.

- FIX IT. Don't put up with a car, or alarm clock, or anything that doesn't work right and let's you down just when you need it most.

- REMINDERS. Don't rely on your memory. Write notes to yourself on important matters and write important appointments and tasks on a calendar.

- JUST DO IT. Don't procrastinate. Putting off unpleasant tasks and important decisions is a leading cause of stress.

- SAY "NO" to taking on extra work and social obligations you don't have the time, energy, or desire to complete.

- SLEEP. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every day.

- BREATHE. Practice deep breathing to relax and prevent oxygen deprivation of mind and body.

- DELEGATE responsibility to other capable people.

- MOVE your body. Stand up and stretch or go for a short walk to relieve tension.

- LET GO. Accept the fact that you cannot control other people or fix every problem.

- LAUGH. Read a funny book, visit a comedy club, and look for the funny side to every bad situation.

- CRY. It's the body's most natural way to relieve tension and stress.

The goal isn't to eliminate stress but, rather, "distress" from your life. A certain amount of stress adds the spice to our lives and is necessary to keep us interested, engaged, and productive. It's only when it becomes excessive and prolonged that it becomes distress, which is overwhelming and damaging to both body and mind. Use these proven stress-reduction techniques to find a sensible level of stress for a healthier, happier you.