As the demands of work and life continue to increase, stress levels for many people are rising. If left unchecked, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems.  A serious illness, job loss, a death in the family, or a painful life event can cause high levels of stress. You may feel down or anxious for a while, and that's normal too. A doctor can help you if you feel down or anxious for more than several weeks or if it interferes with your home or work life. Therapy, medication, and other strategies can help, but you can learn to manage stress before it gets too much by following these tips:

• Keeping a positive attitude is important.

• You cannot control all events.

• Rather than becoming angry, defensive, or passive, assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs.

• Improve your time management skills.

• You should set limits appropriately and say no to requests that would cause excessive stress.

• Invest time in hobbies and interests.

• Alcohol, drugs, and compulsive behaviors can increase your stress levels.

• Spend enough time with your loved ones. 
  
  
  

To learn more healthy ways to deal with stress, seek help from a psychologist or other mental health professional trained in stress management or biofeedback. Consider these lifestyle changes to help manage stress:

Exercising

For one thing, physical activity can help you sleep better. Better sleep means better stress management. Scientists don't know exactly why, but people who exercise more tend to get deeper, slower-wave sleep that helps rejuvenate the brain and body. If you're planning to exercise too close to bedtime, you might disturb your sleep.

A number of hormones are released as a result of exercise, including endorphins and endocannabinoids, which help block pain, improve sleep, and help sedate you, which may explain why exercise helps your mood. Runner’s high, or euphoric feeling after long runs, is thought to be caused by endocannabinoids (endocannabinoids). When your body feels good, your mind often follows. These exercises will help you relieve stress:

• Running

• Swimming

• Dancing

• Cycling

• Aerobics

Try these tips if you don't have time for a formal exercise program.

• Instead of driving to the store, bike there.

• Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs.

• You should park as far away from the door as possible.

• Wash your car by hand.

• Make sure your house is clean.

• Take a walk during your lunch break.
  
  
  

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Diet

There are many benefits to eating health foods beyond your waistline. With a healthy diet, you can fight off stress, build up your immune system, improve your mood, and lower your blood pressure. If you're stressed out, junk food can seem even more appealing. Lots of added sugar and fat can have the opposite effect.

Keep a healthy diet with a few simple tips. Make a shopping list. Keep healthy snacks with you when you leave the house. Avoid processed foods, and avoid eating mindlessly. As part of a balanced diet, be sure to get enough of these nutrients that are known to reduce the effects of stress on the body and mind:

• Vitamin C

• Magnesium

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Take a moment to find a quiet spot.
  
  
• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
  
  
• Pay attention to a word, phrase, object, or even your breath.
  
  
• Let your thoughts come and go and do not judge them.