While we do need some kinds of stress in our lives, constant stress can be not only debilitating, but very dangerous. Health professionals have linked stress to many diseases, from ulcers to heart disease, stroke and more. Acceptable forms of stress are short-lived stress that helps us accomplish certain goals important to us, e.g. exercising for health – which is a form of stress on our body – and stress that saves us from danger. For instance, jumping out of the way of a run-away vehicle is good stress, even though it may leave you trembling.

Dangerous stress is that which goes on for months at a time, such as a stressful workplace or a situation that you can see no end to. Being constantly under physical or emotional stress is bad for your health, but even if you can’t see a way out of the situation you may be able cope with it by employing the following tips.

1. Firstly, you need to want it badly enough. Knowing your stress is wreaking havoc on your health can motivate you to do something about it, or rather, about your own stress levels. For instance, you can’t sack a horrible boss and you may not be able to leave your job, but you can use relaxation and coping techniques to cut back on the stress you feel.
2. In many cases, you can actually eliminate the cause of stress in some way, if you put your mind to it. Change is sometimes scary, but it can lead to a better lifestyle – better being less stressful.
3. Turning off all electronics including that mobile phone, can often help you to relax. Being at everyone’s beck and call 24/7 is certainly stressful.
4. Going for a walk and enjoying nature is very relaxing.
5. If you suffer from insomnia, do something about it. Herbal remedies often work.
6. Aromatherapy can offer relaxation for those who are not allergic to the aromas.
7. Counselling can often help you find ways in which to cope with your particular stressors.
8. Therapeutic aids such as spa treatments often work wonders to relax you in the short term.
9. Deep breathing exercises can certainly help to relieve stress and can even help you cope with irritable or impatient people.
10. Exercising helps to relieve stress. Many exercises stretch and relax those tight muscles caused by stress.
11. Laughing releases feel-good chemicals in the body that help you to relax and let go of stress. Watch a funny movie, read a joke book or do whatever will make you laugh.
12. Pleasant social interaction is another way to remove stress from your life if it is caused by isolation or being in the company of a person who stresses you. Join a club doing something you like, to meet people who have similar interests. It will take your mind off the unpleasant or stressful situations in your life.