The A through S of stress relief

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As much as we might like to believe it, no one lives a stress-free life. Itโ€™s just that same are better at handing it than others. What are their secrets?

We donโ€™t know them all, but we can take you as far as letter S:

A – Adopt a positive attitude toward the past. Mistakes happen, and your attitude is the only thing about the pest you can change.
B โ€“ Break from the routine. Thereโ€™s a reason why they call it “the grind”..
C โ€“ Control the phone. The phone can the be an empowering tool or a nuisance that interrupts every thought. Consider using an answering machine when you donโ€™t want to talk.
D โ€“ Decaffeinate. Each cup of coffee cranks you up to fully experience stress.
E โ€“ Exercise. Itโ€™s documented to relieve stress and help prevent depression.
F โ€“ Find new friends โ€“ and keep the old. When youโ€™re not the center of your life, stress wonโ€™t be either.
G โ€“ Get a checkup. The stress you feel about seeing the doctor can be relieved only by going to him.
H โ€“ Have a schedule. Plan your work, your play and your relaxation, so youโ€™ll be sure to find time for all three.
I โ€“ Improve your communication skills. Learn to say what you think and to really listen when others speak. Communication relieves stress.
J โ€“ Just say no when itโ€™s appropriate. If youโ€™re the kind who always says yes, learn when itโ€™s time to decline.
K โ€“ keep a smile on your face. Research has shown that a smile โ€“ even if itโ€™s pasted on โ€“ starts you on the way to being happy.
L โ€“ Learn new skills. The antidote to worry about losing your job is to make yourself all the more valuable.
M โ€“ Manage your weight. Stress can lead to overweight, and being overweight is stressful. Donโ€™t eat for relief.
N โ€“ Negotiate your work environment. Stress can come from noise, an uncomfortable chair or poor lighting. Ask for improvements.
O โ€“ Operate openly. If you get angry, say so
P โ€“ Pet your pet. Sometimes we need a nonjudgmental friend.
Q โ€“ Quit the booze. The stress relief is only temporary, and temper control suffers.
R โ€“ Relax. Meditation techniques are proven stress relievers.
S โ€“ Seek spirituality. Whatever your preference, a spiritual community provides understanding, forgiveness and hope.

We are confident that you can fill out the rest of the alphabet. And by the time you get there, we bet youโ€™ll wonder where the stress went!

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