One of the biggest killers in our country today is not violence or accidents but stress. Stress can kill you. It can make your body unable to fight off diseases or it can actually trigger illnesses. Stress can make it difficult for you to maintain a healthy relationship. Stress can make it difficult for you to succeed at work, or anywhere else.

There are many different ways to deal with stress. First and foremost, see what you can do to reduce your stress level. There is this really cool word in the English language. It is “no”. You cannot take on every task. It is too much. Start delegating some of what you have taken on if you can. Reduce the number of projects that you are working on. Do not take on any more tasks until you are feeling better.

When you are stressed, remember to breathe. Now, I know what you are saying. “Hey, I breathe all the time!” No, you do not. Either we forget to breathe or we are not breathing properly. If you are stressed, breathe slowly and deeply. Breathe in through your nose and out of your mouth. Breathe in peace, blow out stress. Just try doing this several times a day and it will make a difference.

If it is okay with your doctor, exercise. We can get rid of a great deal of excess energy and make ourselves feel so much better. Okay, I can hear you now, “I don’t have time!” If you start reducing all the things that you are doing, you will find the time. And feel better in the process!

We all want to be happy. You do not stand a chance of creating happiness if you are stressed out. Start breathing and reducing stress. You will be amazed at how much closer you can come to creating that life that you want.