• First and foremost, you should be aware of it. Then, do something about it. You can start by taking deeper breaths whenever you remember to. This will help with immediate relief, and give your body some of the oxygen it's been craving.
• You can continue by learning to manage stress. You will find an abundance of ways and techniques that teach stress management. Pick one that you find suitable and go with it. It just might help you restore your peace of mind and your health.
• Eat and drink sensibly. Alcohol and food abuse may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it.
• Assert yourself. You do not have to meet others' expectations or demands. It's okay to say "No." Remember, being assertive allows you to stand up for your rights and beliefs while respecting those of others.
• Stop smoking or other bad habits. Aside from the obvious health risks of cigarettes, nicotine acts as a stimulant and brings on more stress symptoms. Give yourself the gift of dropping unhealthy habits.
• Exercise regularly. Choose non-competitive exercise and set reasonable goals. Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins (natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude).
• Study and practice relaxation techniques. Relax every day. Choose from a variety of different techniques. Combine opposites; a time for deep relaxation and a time for aerobic exercise is a sure way to protect your body from the effects of stress.
• Understanding positive thinking and self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of thoughts that run through your head every day. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information. If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you're likely an optimist - someone who practices positive thinking.

 Stress management techniques

Breathing Exercises

The first stress management technique involves a simple breathing exercise.

Find a comfortable position in comfortable clothes. Slowly inhale deeply while allowing your abdomen to rise. Then, slowly exhale completely by contracting your abdominal muscles to push air out.

Let all distracting thoughts leave your mind so that your mind is still and your body is relaxed. If a thought will not leave, just jot yourself a note and get back to your relaxation.
Concentrate on each breath. Keep your shoulders lowered. Do not judge yourself or your performance.

Guided Imagery

The next method stress management technique is called guided imagery.Start with the breathing exercises.

Then, imagine yourself in an ideal place of physical and mental relaxation. Sense everything in this peaceful environment. What do you see? What do you feel? What do you taste? What do you hear? What do you smell?

Progressive relaxation

The third stress management technique is called progressive relaxation.

Again, start with the breathing exercises.

Systematically contract and then relax each of your muscle groups. Start with your face and neck, followed by upper arms and chest, then lower arms and hands, and continuing with abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and lower legs and feet successively. Concentrate completely on each muscle group.

Meditation

The meditation relaxation technique is last. Christians often refer to this method as prayer.

Just as before, start with the breathing exercises.

Focus your attention on an object or sound or word or thought or scripture. Really concentrate on your point of focus. Empty your mind of all thoughts. Listen for that still small voice. Let everything else fade away.

Any of the above stress management techniques should be practiced daily for at least 15 minutes for maximal effectiveness.

Relaxation music may be helpful. Various cassette and CD tapes are available to help you realize the benefits of meditation, guided imagery and progressive relaxation.