Often when we feel stressed we feel like we have no control over the situation and so submit to the stress and hope to survive it. Actually there are 10 things you can do to regain your sense of control and lower your stress responses.

Remember that for emotional and mental stress, all stress, repeat ALL STRESS, is generated inside you by your reactions. There my be triggers around you that push your buttons, but the stress is entirely internal. You have to power to turn it off.

1.The first way to reduce stress is to simply avoid situations that you know will stress you. If you begin feeling anxious when you watch the news, then just turn the television off. When you suspect the conversation at the coffee pot is approaching an issue that causes you stress, head back to work. These simple things will greatly reduce the exposure of stress triggers.

2. You can’t avoid all stressful situations but remember that you can do things to change it. Changing from a person who stresses to a person who responds appropriately. For example, if your commute stresses you, arrange your work day to go in early or late to miss the rush, or carpool and let someone else fight the traffic while you chip in for gas. Put a Total Shield in your office to deal with the electromagnetic fields from the computers. Magnetize your water so you aren’t running to the bathroom 10 times a day.

3. You can’t always avoid or change your situation, but you can always change how you feel about it. Try the ESR.  Simply talking about a stressful situation can help you feel better, but it can also show you ways to adapt. Sometimes the situation isn’t what needs to change. It’s you. Get some help from a qualified kinesiologist who knows how to turn off sub-conscious responses. Decide to be positive and think happy thoughts.

4. Everyone needs to take time to focus on themselves. Regain your balance and get grounded again. Take a break from whatever you’re doing and take a walk. Do a session on stress reduction. Do something different. If what you are doing isn’t working, find a different way to approach it.

5. Play is a forgotten concept in our society but it is essential to well being. Sometimes just blowing off a little steam and relaxing a bit with the people who mean the most to you can greatly reduce your stress. Have your Life Balance worked out by a qualified kinesiologist and find out your quotient for work, rest, sleep and play. You need to play!

6. Practice breathing exercises to circulate the oxygen throughout your body. More oxygen creates healthier bodies and makes it easier to deal with difficulties that come our way. Check out the  Body Relaxation technique in the e-book from Natural Health Canada.

7. Studies have shown that laughter is one of the best techniques for reducing stress because it circulates oxygen through our bodies. Laughter also stimulates the production of those “feel good” hormones. Watch a funny movie, enjoy a silly comic books, relax and let yourself laugh.

8. Everyone should have one activity that helps them reduce stress. This activity can be anything you love to do as long as it’s healthy. Trying doing something for someone else-get the focus off yourself. Binge eating and smoking don’t count as a stress-relieving activity.

9. Eat (and drink) healthier. Your body needs the proper nutrients in order to fight back against stress. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol will also help you feel less stressed overall. Cut out sugar, fried foods, and fast foods. Eat your greens and make friends with some new veggies.

10. Finally, don’t put things off. You’d be surprised how much stress can be avoided if you simply get things done now.  Get help if you need it–hire someone, delegate, reschedule. Start now.