Tips for Reducing Stress

If you are one of the millions of stressed-out Americans, there's good news. People can learn to manage stress. Start with these tips:

• Keep a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. "Assert" your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
• Learn and practice relaxation techniques.
• Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Don't rely on alcohol or drugs to reduce stress.
• Seek out social support.
• Learn to manage your time more effectively.

Information provided by Jerome F. Kiffer, MA, Department of Health Psychology and Applied Psychophysiology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.